Thor: The Dark World Volstagg and Jane Foster movie costumes on display...

You don't often see Marvel Studios movie costumes on display, so this month I made it my mission to track down as many costumes and props from Thor: The Dark World whilst they were still available, including these 'Volstagg' and 'Dr. Jane Foster' Asgardian costumes at Hollywood's infamous El Capitan Theatre on November 20, 2013.

Original Thor: The Dark World movie costumes

Volstagg's Asgardian battle armour and Jane Foster's Asgardian attire were designed by Wendy Partridge and you can also check out more costumes from Thor: The Dark World here at Hollywood Movie Costumes and Props which I've been fortunate enough to see up close and in person, including Tom Hiddleston's Loki costume, original Fandral and Lady Sif film costumes, plus Odin and Frigga movie costumes on display.

Giant Thor: The Dark World movie billboard

Ray Stevenson played the largest and most jovial of 'The Warriors Three' in both Thor movies, 'Volstagg the Voluminous'. He's a family man, brave warrior and loyal friend to Thor.

Original costume worn by Ray Stevenson as Volstagg 

in Thor: The Dark World

Ray Stevenson is no stranger to wearing period costumes like this Viking inspired armour, as he starred as Roman soldier 'Titus Pullo' in the acclaimed series Rome, a historical drama set in the 1st century BC. He's also played Marvel Comics character 'Frank Castle' in 2008's Punisher: War Zone (but probably the less said about that the better).

Be sure to also check out Volstagg's axe and other Thor: The Dark World movie props on display at the Treasures of Asgard exhibit at Disneyland, California.

Original costume worn by Natalie Portman as Dr. Jane Foster 

in Thor: The Dark World

Also reprising her role from the first Thor movie in 2011 is Natalie Portman as the Thunder God's mortal love interest, Jane Foster, an astrophysicist (and not a nurse or doctor of medicine like her comic book counterpart).

She wears these ornate Asgardian robes when Thor brings her to Asgard after she has been infected by the 'Malekith's' Aether weapon. Interestingly in one scene with Thor she's not wearing the necklace and the next time she's seen, when Asgard is under attack by the Dark Elves, it's there when Frigga is defending her. I'm wondering if there's some deleted scene between Jane and Thor's mother that was cut from the movie, or maybe it's simply a wardrobe mistake.

Regardless I'm glad I managed to see these costumes on display before they were gone and hope that in the future I'll see many more Marvel Studios costumes and props on display. I'm certainly keeping my fingers crossed they exhibit some pieces from next year's Captain America: The Winter Solider.

Thor 2 costumes on display at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood

Go further behind-the-scenes with this book: Marvel's Thor: The Dark World - The Art of the Movie (Slipcase)

Fandral and Sif movie costumes from Thor: The Dark World on display...

Even though I loved Thor: The Dark World, the one thing that would have improved the Marvel sequel for me is more screen time for the Thunder God's Asgardian companions, 'The Warriors Three' and the 'Lady Sif'. Whether or not you agree, hopefully you'll love seeing these original 'Fandral' and 'Sif' costumes up close and on display at ArcLight Sherman Oaks cinema on November 15, 2013.

Original Fandral and Sif movie costumes 
from Thor: The Dark World

These amazing armoured Asgardian looks worn by Zachary Levi and Jaimie Alexander in the movie were designed by Wendy Partridge and were also on display beside Tom Hiddleston's Loki costume from Thor: The Dark World.

Thor: The Dark World movie poster

Plus if you want to see more fantastical Asgardian attire, be sure to check out these Frigga and Odin movie costumes from Thor 2 worn by Rene Russo and Anthony Hopkins, as Thor and Loki's parents and the rulers of Asgard.

Ever the chivalrous gentlemen, it's only fair that Fandral allows Sif's costume to be showcased in more detail first.

Original battle armour costume worn by Jaimie Alexander as Sif 

in Thor: The Dark World

At the start of the movie Thor's loyal friends, Sif and The Warriors Three, are helping him restore order to the Nine Realms after the chaos caused by the destruction of the Bifröst Bridge in the first film.

In the Marvel comic books the Lady Sif is Thor's lover, but in the movie universe her love for the God of Thunder has so far been unrequited and she is the mortal 'Dr. Jane Foster's' rival for Thor's affection.

But like most Asgardian women she is a true and fierce warrior, and this is the sleek silver and red leather battle armour she sports in the movie.

If you're a fan of the actress, you may also want to take a look at these photos of Jaimie Alexander from a fan event for the first Thor movie at my local comic book store.

Original costume worn by Zachary Levi as Fandral 

in Thor: The Dark World

For this movie sequel, the role of Fandral was recast and is now played by Chuck's Zachary Levi (who also voiced 'Flynn Rider' in Disney's Tangled animated movie). The actor replaced Josh Dallas who plays 'Prince Charming' in TV's Once Upon a Time.

'Fandral the Dashing', as he's known in the comics (hence his fashionable attire and dashing cape), is one of the legendary Warriors Three, along with 'Hogun' and 'Volstagg'.

In addition to assisting the hero of this movie on the battlefield, Fandral and Sif also help Thor spring his scheming half-brother, Loki, from Asgard's dungeons when his help is needed to defeat 'Malekith' and his Dark Elves.

If you like these cool outfits (and I know you cosplayers appreciate all the seam and embroidery details), be sure to also check out Fandral and Sif's weapon props from Thor 2 currently on display at the Treasures of Asgard exhibit at Disneyland.

Thor: The Dark World movie poster

Go further behind-the-scenes with this book: Marvel's Thor: The Dark World - The Art of the Movie (Slipcase)