Thor: The Dark World is a sequel to Thor, and The Avengers. It is the eighth main installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and second installment of Phase Two. It was released worldwide on October 30, 2013. Its American release date was November 8, 2013 in 2D and 3D after it was converted to 3D. It was directed by Alan Taylor and starred Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Natalie Portman, and Anthony Hopkins as Thor, Loki, Jane Foster, and Odin. The sequel, Thor: Ragnarok, is set for release on November 3, 2017.