Nov 20 2009 So Many People Are Doing the Acting in 'Thor'

So many people are doing the acting in Thor! Some people joined the cast a few days ago; one just joined today. Let's finally get to filling them all in in our Thor scrapbook, OK?

Firstly, the Heat Vision blog is reporting that Idris Elba--who you may remember from The Wire, The Office, and the ridiculous Beyonce-fights-a-stalker film Obsessed--will be playing Heimdall, another mythological Norse character called "whitest of the gods." Which is funny. Because Idris Elba is black. Not white.

Variety, meanwhile, has news that Stuart Townsend (Charlize Theron's husband), Ray Stevenson (the Punisher that wasn't Thomas Jane) and Tadanobu Asano (Ichi the Killer) will be playing the Warriors Three, Marvel-created Asgardian gods who form a classic trinity of fat guy, Errol Flynn-esque guy, and Genghis Khan-looking guy.

To those thinking this is weird because black guys and Asian guys don't belong in the world of Norse mythology... well, you're probably technically right, but you're still assigned ten minutes in the racist penalty box.

Oct 30 2009 Anthony Hopkins Agrees To Be Thor's Dad

Kenneth Branagh's Thor adaptation has added more surprising credibility to its cast. Variety reports Anthony Hopkins has signed on to play Odin, father to Loki (non-biologically) and Thor and king of Asgard, which will mean something if you're intimately familiar with Norse mythology and/or comic books.

To help you understand what powers and abilities Hopkins will possess in the role, I've copied a paragraph from the Odin (Marvel Comics) Wikipedia entry's section on powers and abilities, replacing "Odin" with "Sir Anthony Hopkins."

As King of the Norse Gods, Sir Anthony Hopkins possesses superhuman strength; durability and courtesy of the Golden Apples of Idunn, a greatly extended lifepsan. Sir Anthony Hopkins is capable of manipulating the Sir Anthony Hopkins Force - a source of magical energy - for a number of purposes, including energy projection; creation of ilusions and force fields; levitation; molecular manipulation and teleportation. The character has also used the Sir Anthony Hopkinspower for greater feats such as transporting the entire human race to an alternate dimension; compressing the population of an entire planet into a single being, the Mangog and taking a soul away from the arch-demon Mephisto.

This Sir Anthony Hopkins Force sounds pret-ty powerful.

Sep 23 2009 More People I Don't Know in 'Thor'

I've got some great news if you're fans/parents of Jaimie Alexander or Colm Feore: the actors from Kyle XY and The Listener (neither of which I know of as shows on television, but I'm told are/were), respectively, have joined the cast of Kenneth Branagh's Thor.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Alexander will be play Sif, a powerful resident of Asgard and sexual conquest of Thor, while Colm Feore's character is known only to be a villain of some nature.

You know who's probably going to be upset by this news? Colm Meaney, Star Trek's Chief O'Brien. If Feore's career takes off after this, it endangers all the years of hard work Meaney has put into becoming Hollywood's Biggest Colm.

Jul 14 2009 Natalie Portman Loves Thor

More information about real-life humans playing ridiculous comic book characters! Confirming previous rumors, Natalie Portman has been cast as Jane Foster, the love interest, in Kenneth Branagh's Thor adaptation. The casting brings a name to the largely unknown cast, but also comes with a vague but foreboding red flag: "the character will be updated." From Marvel Studios:

Marvel Studios announced today that Academy Award® nominated actress Natalie Portman has been cast to star as Jane Foster in the studio's highly anticipated movie "Thor."

In the early "Thor" comics, Jane Foster was a nurse who became Thor's first love. The character will be updated for the feature adaptation.

Portman will star opposite Chris Hemsworth who will play Thor and Tom Hiddleston who will play the villain Loki. Kenneth Branagh will direct the film.

Congratulations, Natalie Portman. With V for Vendetta, a trilogy of Star Wars, and now Thor on your resume, you can now rest assured that, if this acting thing doesn't work out, you will have a permanent, guaranteed seat at any and every nerd convention until the day you die. You can just walk in and Lou Ferrigno will have to stand up, give you his chair and hold your coat.

May 18 2009 Thor, Here's Your Loki: Tom Hiddleston?

Following today's earlier news that a guy you'd probably never heard of has been cast as Thor, Nikki Finke has news that some other guy you probably never heard of has been cast as the superhero's arch-villain, Loki:

I've learned that Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige and Thor director Kenneth Branagh have cast their Loki, the nemesis to the lead in Thor set for release on May 20, 2011. He's Tom Hiddleston, unknown to American audiences but an award-winning British actor and Royal Academy Of Dramatic Arts (RADA) graduate. He played Winston Churchill's son in HBO's The Gathering Storm, but, more to the point, note that Hiddleston starred in Ivanov opposite Sir Kenneth on the London stage and also starred with him in the BBC miniseries Wallander. Marvel Studios won't confirm my news, but Hiddleston had been considered as a possible Thor.

Of course, one of the great things about casting no-name actors in blockbuster films is how much budget it clears up for the effects team. Hopefully it will be enough to add the sassy, English-speaking, CGI Pegasus I always thought Thor should ride into battles.

May 18 2009 By the Might of Mjolnir, We Have Our Thor

Variety is reporting that Chris Hemsworth, the recent cinematic father of James T. Kirk, has been cast as Marvel Comics' Nordic, hammer-wielding God of Thunder, Thor:

Marvel Studios has chosen its god of Thunder: Australian thesp Chris Hemsworth is in final negotiations to play Thor in the comicbook company's bigscreen adaptation of the character.

Kenneth Branagh will helm the actioner, set to bow on May 20, 2011.

A Norse god, Thor develops a protective affinity for humans after his father Odin banishes him to Earth, in order to teach him a lesson in humility. From then on, he's often seen wielding his massive hammer and fighting alongside the Avengers (comprised of Iron Man, the Hulk and Captain America).

Hemsworth, who stars in MGM's upcoming "Cabin in the Woods," was also just cast in that studio's remake of "Red Dawn" as Jed Eckert, the role originally played by Patrick Swayze in 1984. Hemsworth was most recently seen in Paramount's "Star Trek" playing Capt. Kirk's father.

I guess this means Alexander Skarsgård, who was previously rumored for the part, will have to just continue being Thor in real life only. Because, seriously, look at the guy. He is Thor.

What are you thinking, Branagh? Does it scare you too much that Skarsgård might actually be Thor? don't want to deal with his inevitable arguing on set? "I wouldn't say this line, Ken. And I should know: I'm quite literally Thor. Look at my long blonde hair and distinctly Nordic features. I'm definitely Thor. Don't make me set down this prop hammer and go get the real hammer I use in my fight against Lokis and Skrulls and such."

I suppose I can't blame you for that. That's a rational fear. I'll accept this beady-eyed Australian if I have to.

Mar 17 2009 Natalie Portman Loves Thor?

Who will play Thor? Who will play Thor's arch-enemy, Loki? And who will play Thor's Kim Basinger character? These questions continue to plague us, but Deadline Hollywood has some new semi-answers:

...there's a big push to cast Josh Hartnett either in the winged helmet and/or as nemesis Loki...

...besides Hartnett, the following actors are being tested: Charlie Hunnam (the British co-star of the F/X series Sons Of Anarchy); Tom Hiddleston (award-winning British actor and RADA graduate who played Winston Churchill's son in HBO's The Gathering Storm), Alexandar Skarsgard (Stellan's son who has appeared in the HBO Iraq War miniseries Generation Kill and vampire drama True Blood, and who's definitely visually right for the role), Liam Hemsworth (offered a significant role in The Expendables after Sly Stallone saw his tape), and Joel Kinnaman (some Swedish-American dude).

Meanwhile, I'm told Natalie Portman is in the lead for the female lead.

Does Natalie Portman playing a female lead mean Thor has a love interest? I'm not that familiar with the Thor mythos, but I thought his only true love was the hammer Mjolnir. Maybe she'll end up being more of a Scully character to Thor's Mulder, where he's always insisting he's a Norse god, and she's like, "Thor, there are no such thing as Norse gods!" And he's like, "Then where did I get this sweet hat!?"

Mar 12 2009 Marvel Wants You to Save the Date(s)!

Marvel Studios has released some new and changed dates for their super comic men movies. Save the date(s)!:

Iron Man 2 - May 7, 2010
Spider-Man 4 - May 6, 2011
Thor - June 17, 2011
The First Avenger: Captain America - July 22, 2011
The Avengers - May 4, 2012

Summer of 2011 is going to be so superhero movie rich. I'm barely going to have time to catch waves, work at the local ice cream parlor, and fall in and out of love with a girl I meet at summer camp with all this nerd shit I have to do.

Mar 11 2009 Josh Hartnett Might be the God of Mischief

Following up yesterday's news that an extremely Thor-like guy might be in the running for the lead in Kenneth Branagh's Thor, IESB is reporting Josh Hartnett is on the short list of actors to play the Norse hero's arch-villain Loki. Personally, I saw Hartnett more in the role of Thor's professorial sidekick Dr. Squintz, but I guess this could work if he can figure out a way to make his wooden, GQ staring seem mischievous.

(Update: For some reason, yes, I originally wrote "Harnett" several times. The issue has been corrected.)

Mar 10 2009 Man Who is Obviously Already Thor Might Play Thor

Alexander Skarsgård, son of Stellan Skarsgård and recently seen in Generation Kill and True Blood, is rumored to be in talks to star in Kenneth Branagh's Thor. Apparently a sharp-eyed tip-person at Latino Review saw the actor and director (canoodling?) at a restaurant together, and later LR was somehow able to confirm Branagh had dined there at that time, hinting that the two might be discussing a collaboration.

What can I say that his being Nordic, 6'4", and long blonde-haired hasn't already? You aren't going to find anyone else who gives more of an irrepressible Adventures in Babysitting moment than this guy. Hypothetical casting: approved.

Feb 26 2009 Samuel L. Jackson Playing Nick Fury Until He Dies

Marvel still reportedly won't pay Mickey Rourke enough to put on a big metal suit and fight Iron Man, but the studio has signed Samuel L. Jackson to continue his role as Nick Fury for up to nine more films, locking the actor down for single, after-the-credits scenes for years to come. From Variety (thanks again, Joshua):

Jackson's deal is a long-term commitment to play Fury, the leader of the espionage unit the Shield. His deal contains an option to play the character in nine future Marvel superhero films, efforts that are expected to include "Captain America," "Thor," "The Avengers" and "The Shield" as well as potential sequels.

Jackson introduced Fury in the closing moments of "Iron Man," when the character asked Robert Downey Jr.'s Tony Stark to join his group. Fury is a natural to show up in multiple Marvel franchises, as he crosses paths with many Marvel superheroes in the comicbooks.

Jackson's Marvel future looked murky, after he reportedly expressed his displeasure with the producer-financier's initial offer to reprise his role. Jackson was hardly alone: Even though "Iron Man" grossed more than $600 million worldwide, Marvel brass has been sparing in offers to talent like Mickey Rourke and Sam Rockwell to play villains in the sequel, sources said.

With how cheap Marvel seems to be acting with everything, expect that, in the unlikely event of Jackson's illness or death, they'll make sure they get their contract's worth by using footage from Shaft and a lot of Deal or No Deal-style silhouetted phone calls.

Feb 19 2009 'Thor' Will Be: Petulant, Wild, Natural Warrior, Other Things

What is director Kenneth Branagh looking for in his Thor? Coming Attractions has posted this casting call:

Male MUST BE MID-LATE 20'S and SIX FEET OR TALLER. LEAD.

Physically powerful, very handsome, occasionally egotistical, petulant, and wild. A natural warrior with a quick charming wit who must be genuinely and severely humbled before becoming the compassionate, mature hero of our film.

So, if you know someone who fits the description, I suggest doing all you can to hide this opportunity from them. They've surely led a blessed life from being so physically powerful, very handsome, charming and witty, and you don't need to help them out any more. Why do you even hang out with this dude? As if you're going to get any girls with this egotistical, petulant, natural warrior around.

Dec 3 2008 Grey's Anatomy's McSomething Up for Thor Role?

Speaking to IGN, Kevin McKidd, the über-Aryan star of Rome and Grey's Anatomy, confirmed he's still in talks to star in Kenneth Branagh's Thor film:

McKidd confirmed for IGN that he's still a contender for the lead role and that there's been "a lot of back and forth" about the project of late, but that nothing has been determined. He acknowledged that Kenneth Branagh is directing it, a choice that makes him even more excited about the film.

McKidd stressed that the part that he's up for is indeed that of Thor and not a supporting role. This contradicts what McKidd told us last year when he suggested that Thor might be played by a younger actor and that he would be up for a different role instead.

McKidd definitely looks the part, but if they're no longer looking for a young actor, am I the only one who thinks they should go with chef Gordon Ramsay? He has the stern, commanding voice, the tall, athletic build, and the [frosted] blonde hair. Plus, he wouldn't hesitate to speak up if Captain America screwed up the risotto. Perfect casting.

Oct 21 2008 Everyone Stop Thinking Daniel Craig Might Play Thor

I was just sitting here thinking how Daniel Craig is probably going to play Thor when I came across this quote at IESB that completely shatters my theory. To the contrary, it turns out Daniel Craig is specifically NOT playing Thor, making me look like a fool:

IESB asked if Craig was interested in doing something a little different character-wise, like Thor?

Craig said no, he turned it down and laughed about it.

Sanchez continued, “seriously, I heard the folks over at Marvel had you on a short list to be Thor.”

Craig said yes they [Marvel] did approach him but he turned it down. He added jokingly, it would have been too much of a power trip, both Bond and Thor, and running around with long hair and a hammer.

Curious how silent he was on the subject of whether the part was then offered to and accepted by Shaq...

May 5 2008 Marvel Studios Announces Schedule up to Age of Flying Cars

Riding high on the overwhelming success of Iron Man this weekend, Marvel has decided to reveal its feature film slate for the next three years. This way, we'll say, "Ooh, goody, Thor will totally be the next Iron Man!" instead of, "A Thor movie? Are you f***ing kidding me?" Which will probably be the more likely sentiment after The Incredible Hulk. Here's the tentative schedule:

The Incredible Hulk - June 13, 2008
Iron Man 2 - April 30, 2010
Thor - June 4, 2010
The First Avenger: Captain America - May 6, 2011
The Avengers - July 2011
Ant-Man - Writer/director engaged

Here is additional schedule I've made up, but suspect may come true:

Another Stab at The Hulk - May 2012
Iron Man Ruts Against Thor (see exclusive first shot above) - June 2013
The Avengers IV - August 2013
Darkhawk: Why Not? - July 2015
Hulk: No, This Time We Got It - May 2020
Hulk 5 - June 2020
Whoever's Left - 2020-?

Marvel Reports Q1 [Business Wire]