Chris Hemsworth is Marvel's 'Thor'!
Filed under: Casting, Fandom, Newsstand, Comic/Superhero/Geek
Even though it's Saturday, that doesn't mean the big news waits till Monday -- Nikki Finke over at Deadline Hollywood has once again come through on yet another Marvel casting scoop; this time it would appear as if actor Chris Hemsworth -- who played Kirk's father in the opening scenes of Star Trek -- has been cast as Thor in Marvel's big-budgeted, live-action film due out in theaters on May 20, 2011. Kenneth Branagh is set to direct, with production currently scheduled to begin early next year.
Hemsworth is a bit of a departure from the big, familiar names Marvel has been using to populate its superhero films -- but he's a solid choice; a bright, young pretty face who, like Chris Pine, seems destined to break out in the next year. Not only did he land a pretty sweet role in Trek, but he's currently shooting the horror flick The Cabin in the Woods (written by Joss Whedon, directed by Cloverfield's Drew Goddard), was just cast in the Red Dawn remake and starred on the popular Aussie show Home and Away. Hemsworth joins a production that doesn't have anyone cast as of yet, and since they're going with a relative unknown in the lead role, look for Marvel and Branagh to stick some known faces around him (Josh Hartnett has been rumored to be up for the part of villain).
What do you think of Hemsworth? Is Marvel taking a risk by casting an unknown in the lead role, or is this the best way to go when it comes to Thor, the Viking God of thunder?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
5-17-2009 @ 1:35PM
andrew said...
i think it's ok. he did a good job with the short time he was on screen in star trek so we'll see. i've got faith in marvel studios right now with what they did with iron man and incredible hulk. i think they've got a firm idea of what they want to do with their films and how to approach them. so i'm ok for now. there's a possiblity i could change my mind once footage starts coming out.
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5-16-2009 @ 6:18PM
Peter said...
I think it's great they're going with an unknown and I hope the likes of Hartnett don't come anywhere near the movie.
Hemsworth may have that sensitive guy vibe working against him (not something I'd expect to see in Thor), but he rocked in Trek and I'm sure Branagh knows what he is doing.
Definitely good news, all in all. Can't wait to see who else they cast.
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7-15-2009 @ 3:10AM
BigWelder said...
As i Recall growing up thor was one of the most powerful hero's. so dont you think the actor cast should exude that same quality? this guy looks like he could have played spiderman, get some muscles behind thor already.
7-28-2009 @ 5:18PM
Big Willie said...
Thank you!!! Finally!!! Someone understands. can we please add about 50 ibs. of muscles. He's a great actor and he has the attitude. But he must get the look as well. They understood this in Troy it made the Achillies role spectacular. The missed the point in Stuperman and it ruined the movie... well that and the Kryptonite Island.
5-16-2009 @ 6:19PM
C.A. said...
Sweet, I'm pretty happy about this choice. The good thing about a relatively unknown actor is that you don't have problems picturing them in their old roles.
I think Hemsworth will make a good Thor, plus he'll probably look pretty cool if they go with a beard (which I hope they do).
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5-19-2009 @ 9:01AM
arteq said...
no fucking beard on thor.... and there better be scenes on earth with dr. don blake...
5-16-2009 @ 6:25PM
Anna said...
Cool News!!
Chris Hemsworth was awesome in Star Trek!!!...A really great actor!!!
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5-16-2009 @ 6:38PM
Dayne said...
If Thor were auditioning for a Boy Band, this would be a good choice. We're talking about a huge, powerful, immortal. He should look older than 19, and have a little character in his face. I'm underwhelmed
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5-16-2009 @ 10:12PM
Joyce said...
I totally agree!!!! The same thing if Megan Fox is cast as She Hulk! So totally wrong!!!
5-16-2009 @ 8:08PM
morphs said...
No way. He doesn't look like he can even handle being Thor let alone have him be him in the movie. I was really hoping that they'd go with Alexander Skarsgård from Generation Kill.
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5-16-2009 @ 10:24PM
Stanley Milquetoast said...
Thorry, but thith Thor guy thounds thilly.
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5-16-2009 @ 10:27PM
Stumpy said...
Wow, Megan Fox as She Hulk!
Why didn't I think of that.
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5-17-2009 @ 9:40AM
Jay said...
No way. Thor needs to be played by someone actually nordic-looking, and perhaps 20 years older.
Unless this is going to be the "Young Adventures of Thor", in which case my first objection still stands.
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5-17-2009 @ 11:30AM
Wipeoutt31 said...
Wrong superhero. When I first saw him, I thought of Captain America.
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5-17-2009 @ 11:59AM
JEREMY said...
I recall hearing about a young,virtually unknown actor who was chosen for a starring role in a major film that went on to stardom,and is still remembered(and will be ) to this very day. You might have heard of him. His name was .............. CHRISTOPHER REEVE.
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5-17-2009 @ 2:52PM
Ken said...
This is a joke, He would not even be able to lift the hammer.
He may be better suited for loki.
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5-19-2009 @ 12:02AM
JD said...
I am so glad Chris Hemsworth has broken into the US market. He's giving us other Australian actors hope. His role in Star Trek was fantastic and I just loved it. Go Chris!!
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5-17-2009 @ 9:32PM
joits said...
good choice. he was great in star trek and i'm sure he'll work out as thor.
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5-19-2009 @ 12:35PM
Lex said...
This choice for Hemsworth in the role Thor is a big mistake. They would be far better off casting Alexander Skarsgård in the role. He looks more like most depictions of Thor, where as Hemsworth looks too much like your typical quarter-back jock type. People shouldn't forget that the person they choose has to play two roles... Dr. Donald Blake and Thor. To me, Skarsgård looks to have better chance to pull it off.
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