'I gave you my word I would return for you': Chris Hemsworth steals a kiss from Natalie Portman in action-packed Thor: The Dark World trailer



Thor is back to save the universe – and of course lock lips with his favourite sexy scientist Jane Foster.



Chris Hemsworth is hunkier than ever as the protagonist in the new official trailer for Thor: The Dark World, which was released on Wednesday.



The sequel is set one year after the events of The Avengers and will see the hero-with-a-hammer take on an enemy older than the universe itself.

Scroll down to watch the trailer

Sealed with a kiss: Chris Hemsworth locks lips with Natalie Portman in a new trailer for Thor: The Dark World



Fans of the Marvel comic book series will be excited to see the appearance of Malekith the Accursed as the villain in the blockbuster movie.



Malekith, portrayed by Doctor Who star Christopher Eccleston, is attempting to lead the Dark Elves to plunge the universe into darkness.



Stealing a kiss from Jane, played by Natalie Portman, Thor tells his love interest: ‘I gave you my word I would return for you.’



Tender moment: Thor makes good on his word to return to Earth for his love interest Jane Forester



There's a universe to save: The caped crusader takes on a new villain in the sequel film



Thor blimey: Chris looks hunkier than ever in the action-packed new trailer



The confident prince of Asgard also assures the only woman he has eyes for that he will ‘find a way to save us all’.



But it seems that way is to join forces with his disgraced and evil brother Loki, played by Tom Hiddleston.



‘I need your help. But I wish I could trust you,’ Thor tells Loki, who replies: ‘If you did you’d be the fool I always took you for.’



A treat for the fans: Those who followed the comic book series will be excited to see Malekith the Accursed

Fetch me my hammer: Thor is trying to save the universe from being plunged into darkness

Joining forces: Thor must team up with his disgraced and evil brother Loki, played by Tom Hiddleston

Loki adds: ‘You must be truly desperate to come to me for help.’



It seems the movie will take a darker tone than its predecessor, and follow Loki as he struggles with his own conscience – and whether or not he has one.



An unknown voice explains the struggles that caped crusader Thor will face and require all his resources to combat.



Proceed with caution: Thor doesn't trust his brother, who seems to be struggling with his own conscience

Back for the sequel: The action film - due out November 8 - also stars Natalie Portman (M), Stellan Skarsgård, Kat Dennings, and Anthony Hopkins

The plot: In it, the hammer-wielding superhero desperately needs his wayward brother¿s help against a new evil, the dark elf Malekeith (Christopher Eccleston)

‘Some believe that before the universe, there was nothing,’ the voice says. ‘They are wrong. There was darkness, and it has survived.’



In between action shots of Earth and Asgard, which are suitably drenched in special effects, Loki issues a warning.



It won't disappoint: There are plenty of scenes on Asgard and Earth with lots of special effects

Not long now: Thor: The Dark World is scheduled to hit cinemas on July 8

Confident about his chances: Thor assures Jane that he will find a way to save them all

‘Thor, your bravery will not ease your pain,’ he cautions. ‘Your family, your world will be extinguished.’



While the original movie was helmed by Kenneth Brannagh, Alan Taylor will take the director’s chair for the sequel.



Thor: The Dark World is scheduled for release on November 8.

One broke girl: Kat Dennings is back in the role of Jane's quirky assistant, but with bigger part in this film

Ancient enemy: Thor and his army will fight a force that is older than the universe itself