Anthony Hopkins joins cast of Kenneth Branagh's 'Thor'

October 31, 9:39 PMCapital District Movies ExaminerJim Dixon

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Anthony Hopkins in "The Wolfman"                        Photo:  Universal Studios (c)  2009

Marvel Studios’ upcoming production, “Thor,” has added another big name to its growing cast. “Variety” reports that Anthony Hopkins will play Odin, the divine King of Asgard and the father of the title character, who will be played by Chris Hemsworth.

Hemsworth was recently seen in JJ Abrams’ highly successful “Star Trek” feature reboot as George Kirk, ill-fated father of Chris Pine's Captain Kirk. The Academy Award winning Hopkins shouldn’t require too much in the way of introduction.
 

"Thor"  (c) and TM Marvel Characters all rights reserved

“Thor” is the latest in the ongoing slate of Marvel comic book adaptations to be headed to the big screen. The series chronicles the adventures of the Norse god of thunder on modern day Earth. Also cast in the movie are Natalie Portman as Thor’s mortal love interest, Colm Feore, Stellan Skarsgard and Tom Hiddleston as Thor’s nemesis, Loki.  It has not yet been disclosed who Feore and Skarsgard will play in the film.  At one point Skarsgard's son, Alexander, who is a regular on HBO's "True Blood," was considered a lead contender for the part of Thor.

Actor/director Kenneth Branagh will direct the production which is scheduled to start principal photography in January. It is not believed that Branagh, who has directed himself on numerous occasions with excellent results ("Henry V," "Dead Again") will appear in the film.

Mythology based projects are on the rise.  The Greek mythology based movies "Percy Jackson and the Olympians:  The Lightning Thief" and the Louis Leterrier-helmed "Clash of the Titans" remake are currently scheduled to be released within a month of each other early next year.

http://graphicworlds.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/300px-thor-2.jpg

Paramount Pictures will distribute the film May 20, 2011.
Hopkins will next be seen starring with Benicio Del Toro "The Wolfman," directed by Joe Johnston, scheduled to be released by Universal next February, and the Woody Allen-directed "You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger."