Thor adds Asano, Stevenson and Townsend

The cast for Kenneth Branagh’s Thor just keeps getting better and better.  Twitch is reporting that the big screen adaptation of Marvel’s Norse hero has added three more extremely talented actors to its already stellar cast.  Tadanobu Asano (Ichi the Killer, Mongol), Ray Stevenson (Rome, Punisher: Warzone) and Stuart Townsend (Queen of the Damned, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen) are set to “play Warrior’s Three, a trio of Asgardian adventurers who fight alongside the Norse god.”

It’s exciting to see these three join the cast, particularly Asano.  The enigmatic actor’s presence has me even more intrigued by Branagh’s production.  Stevenson is no stranger to the Marvel universe, having played Frank Castle in the recent Punisher sequel.  In addition, his role as Titus Pullo on the HBO series Rome secured his place as a legendary onscreen bad ass.  Townsend is a talented guy, he deserves a chance to redeem himself after the mess that was The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.

Cameras begin rolling on Thor this January in Los Angeles, with a release date set for May 20th, 2011.

Via Twitch Film

Anthony Hopkins to play Thor’s Daddy

The Heat Vision Blog has some intriguing news about Kenneth Branagh’s big screen adaptation of Marvel Comics Thor, both on the casting and story front.  Word has come down that Sir Anthony Hopkins is in negotiations to play Odin, the chief god of Asgard and the father of Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and his brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston).  The film sees Thor banished to Earth, forced to live among humanity.  However, when evil forces from Asgard threaten his new home Thor attempts to redeem himself.  Ah, the good old cast-down-god-seeks-redemption story, don’t see that very often.

Hopkins joins a great cast that includes Colm Feore, Natalie Portman and allegedly Robert De Niro and Jude Law.  With Branagh at the helm and a cast like that, the film is shaping up to be one of the most interesting Marvel projects to date.  Thor is certainly heavy on acting talent, hopefully Branagh can match that with a solid story and great action.  Only time will tell, Thor is due in theatres May 20th 2011.

Thor has Found His Loki

Hello Everyone Jeff here, glad to be back and I’m very excited about this bit of casting news.

Why am I excited? Director Kenneth Branagh has demonstrated an ability to spot talent time and time again for his many film adaptations of Shakespeare plays. He takes stage actors and casts them in unlikely film roles. His selection of respected stage actor Tom Hiddleston for the role of Loki in his upcoming Thor film seems like a natural move for Branagh.

When you cast a Tom Cruise- or Arnold Schwarzenegger-level name to a project, it brings unneeded drama to set, drama unrelated to the project. This creates unwarranted hype and expectations amongst the viewing public, who aren’t going to go see the movie for its own merits, but because there is a big name attached. Think Schwarzenegger in Batman and Robin as Mr. Freeze… although seeing Batman and Robin for its own merits is another issue entirely.

The Doctor Who television series did this best; casting known talented actors as villains and non-household names as the lead characters.

This isn’t a case of a Daredevil or Ghost-Rider where you think, “Okay. I’ll see what Ben Affleck or Nic Cage can bring to this project,” leaving you weeping as you stare at your own crushed expectations. Thor is a project that seems to have things in order, they aren’t building the movie around a star. The calibre of the director and actors involved speak volumes about the potential quality of the movie.

Thor is set for release May 20, 2011.

Captain Kirk’s Dad Cast as Thor

Deadline Hollywood Daily has confirmed that Chris Hemsworth; who most will recognize as the ill-fated George Kirk from J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek reboot, has been cast as Thor.

The big screen adaptation of Marvel Comics’ Thor is being helmed by Kenneth Branagh, who many considered an unconventional choice to direct. Branagh’s involvement led many to believe that the casting of the Norse God of Thunder would be equally unconventional. Alexander Skarsgård had been favoured by fans for the role of Thor; Branagh was seen having lunch with him on a few occasions, and he seemed the most likely candidate until today’s announcement.

Thor is scheduled for a May 20, 2011 release.

Via Deadline Hollywood Daily

Has Kenneth Branagh Found his Thor?

Latino Review has a scoop regarding the Kenneth Branagh directed Thor movie from Marvel.  At this point it is unsubstantiated, but apparently Branagh was spotted having lunch with Alexander Skarsgård(son of Stellan Skarsgård), best known for his work on HBO’s excellent Generation Kill and so-so True Blood.  Skarsgard, long a fan favourite to play the Son of Asgard, seems perfectly suited for the role: he can act, he’s blonde, he’s 6′4 and he’s also Scandinavian.

Hopefully Branagh decides to go in the Ultimate Thor direction, where Thor is actually a male nurse who claims to be the Norse god of thunder and may or may not be insane.  Far more interesting than the regular Thor origin.  Whatever direction Branagh decides to go, I’m sure it will epic and Shakespearean in tone.

Has Kenneth Branagh found his Thor @ Latino Review

Thanks to Raj