Marvel Summons Chris Hemsworth to Play ‘Thor’

Posted by Neil Miller (neil@filmschoolrejects.com) on May 16, 2009

hemsworth-thor

Nikki Finke won’t have to use her eternally annoying trademark line ‘Toldja!’ this time, as she appears to be quite clearly the first on the scene with news of the casting of the title role in Marvel’s upcoming adventure Thor.

According to Finke, the role of Thor will be played by 25-year old Australian actor Chris Hemsworth. The former Home and Away star was most recently seen as George Kirk — the ill-fated father of James T. Kirk — in J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek reboot and has also been cast in the lead role in the upcoming Red Dawn remake, which MGM is currently developing.

The casting decision was made by Marvel President Kevin Feige and director Kenneth Branagh today, ending a long bout with public speculation from sites across the web. It is rumored that James Bond star Daniel Craig turned down the role. As well, it was rumored that everyone from Rome’s Kevin McKidd to Sons of Anarchy star Charlie Hunnum had at least read for the part.

If you ask me, this is a gutsy and potentially very interesting casting move. I’ve long contended that casting an unknown would be a good way to go with a role such as Thor — similar to the thoughts I expressed with the Bradley Cooper as Green Lantern, its about the story and delivery of the character that will make the difference. Its about acting ability, not just the look. And so far, Hemsworth has proven himself to be solid — at least that is what I can gather from his 5 minutes or so of screen time in Star Trek.

The casting of Thor’s nemesis brother Loki is still in the works, with the most recent rumors pointing toward Josh Hartnett.

Thor is currently scheduled for a June 17, 2011 release date.

What do you think of Hemsworth for Thor?


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  • Kingdomdad
    Good, solid pick. The accent is going to be a big thing tho so we will see
  • Big Rob
    Really! This guy is not Big enough to play Thor. Thor is a massive Guy and He's Ripped. This guy is not. Well I'm Bummed Now and Really not looking forward to this movie.
  • bob
    I was really hoping they'd cast Alexander Skarsgaard. He has both the look (big and blonde) and the acting chops.
  • ballsy move to hire a complete unknown...it seems to have paid off with Sam Worthington...maybe it will happen again with Hemsworth..I mean it's kind of hard to judge someone who had all of 15mins of screen time in Star Trek....Aussies do work their actors hard through theater and television work....Chris might have a great presence the studio noticed during casting...I think we all had the idea that they wanted a younger unknown actor...I just hope they do end up casting Josh Hartnett and Natalie Portman as well, who were rumored...
  • Seems to me all or most of the leads in super hero movies were semi or total unknowns. Who was Chris Reeve before Superman, Tobey Maguire, even Hugh Jackman. They all were nothing, nothing I tell you
  • HempKnight 757
    Charlie Hunnum is the best choice & daniel craig would be not work.
  • Nicole C.
    Bring back Kevin McKidd!!!
    He would have been incredible.
    I want to see this kid in something besides star trek before I'm reassured.
    I'm sure he'll work out and beef up, but can he pull off the semi-shakespearian dialogue?
    Few can, shatner had his issues when he was in oedipus, so I'm worried about the portrayal not the look.
  • Was really hoping for Alexander Skarsgård, but oh god, please not Hartnett. Please.
  • Give him a chance. I just had a knee jerk reaction upon reading the headline too. Though having said that I do have complete and total distaste for the Australian shows Home and Away or Neighbours. I don't rate soap operas very highly at all.

    In his favour, Chris is a pretty big guy. He's quite tall and pretty broad. I'd say he's bigger than Daniel Craig and "prettier". After all, lets not forget that Thor does need to be on the pretty side. I also believe he has had theatre experience which tends to be a good sign when out Aussie actors step up in the world.
  • I agree about giving him a chance I mean he's already been in one massive movie....and he's been cast in Red Dawn which sounds like it could be a big flick as well....he has to have talent for these casting directors to hire him for these major roles...
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