With the U.S. release of Iron Man 3 less than a months away, Marvel Studios is already gearing up for its next superhero flick, Thor: The Dark World.

The studio released a teaser poster featuring actor Chris Hemsworth dressed as the Nordic demigod, wielding the hero's trademark hammer.

The second installment of the Marvel franchise will see Thor pitted against a militant ancient race, the Dark Elves. The vengeful Malekith (Christopher Eccleston) is the leader of this extra-terrestrial force that seeks to plunge the Nine Realms back into darkness.

Game of Thrones director Alan Taylor helms the sequel to the 2011 blockbuster.

Natalie Portman will return as Thor's Earthly love interest and Tom Hiddleston will reprise his role as the mischievous Loki. They will be joined by newcomers Kat Dennings and Zachary Levi.

A trailer for The Dark World will be released to iTunes on April 23, and the film hits theaters Nov. 8.