Tag: kenneth branagh

Are Jude Law and Robert DeNiro Standing Up to THOR?

thor

With a director like Kenneth Branagh behind THOR, it wouldn’t surprise me a bit to learn he is casting bona fide thespians in his film rather than cheap imitations of actors.  This way of casting has done wonders for Christopher Nolan and it didn’t treat Jon Favreau too bad, either.  However, taking into note that this bit of rumor is just that, rumor, there’s no telling where the cast list of THOR might stand once this is officially confirmed or denied.

Nonetheless, Ain’t It Cool News is saying German actor Matthias Schweighöfer  makes the claim in the German edition of GQ that Jude Law and Robert DeNiro have joined the cast.  Schweighöfer says he is, actually, in the running for a role, but that, too, has not been confirmed by other sources.

While the thought of Law stepping into the role of Thor’s arch-nemesis, Loki, might whet a few comic book geeks’ appetites, that role has already been filled by Tom Hiddleston.  If this turns out to be true, Law and DeNiro would be joining a cast list that already includes Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Jaimie Alexander, Colm Feore, Samuel L. Jackson and Stellan Skarsgard.

THOR is set for release on May 20th, 2011.

Stellan Skarsgård Takes On THOR

stellan skarsgard

Stellan SkarsgÃ¥rd är klar för en roll i actionfilmen “Thor”.

For those of you who can’t translate Swedish, that bit of gobbledygook basically says Stellan SkarsgÃ¥rd may be returning to the scruffy, Nordic look you see him in above from 2005’s ‘Beowulf & Grendel.’   SkarsgÃ¥rd has revealed he has a role in the Kenneth Branagh-directed adaptation of Marvel Comics’ ‘Thor.’   He made the announcement to TT Spektra, and the news was picked up by website Ystads Allehanda.

Says Skarsgård about the casting:

They wanted me to sign without reading the script. That I refused to do. Then they sent one to me that was so coded that I could only print one copy.

Skarsgård joins a cast that already includes Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Natalie Portman, Jaimie Alexander, Colm Feore and Samuel L. Jackson.

‘Thor’ ar satt att slappas den 20 maj 2011.   Yes, evidently “release” sounds like “slap-ass” in Swedish.

Tom Hiddleston Cast as Thor’s Enemy, Loki

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Before we had a chance to run a Fantasy Cast for this, Marvel has gone right ahead and cast Loki without any suggestions from our avid readers.   Tom Hiddleston has been put into the role of Thor’s mortal enemy.   This move reunites Hiddleston with director Kenneth Branagh, who directed the young actor in a stage production of “Ivanov.”   The two also appeared together in the BBC mini-series “Wallander.”

In the comics, Loki and Thor are raised by Odin as brothers before becoming sworn enemies.   Loki makes several attempts at defeating Thor and taking control of Asgard.

‘Thor’ is set for release on May 20th, 2011.

Source: Marvel Studios

From Kirk’s Dad to ‘Thor’ and Wolverines

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Evidently, ‘Star Trek’ is making stars out of everyone involved.  Chris Hemsworth, who plays the ill-fated, George Kirk, among them.  The actor has just been signed to star in not one, but two high-profile blockbuster films.

First, and probably more importantly, Hemsworth will be playing Thor in the Kenneth Branagh adaptation of the Marvel comic series.  Hemsworth casting in the role ceases months, even years, of rumors and fantasy castings as to who should wield the hammer and wear the winged helmet.

Secondly, Hemsworth will be filling the role originated by Patrick Swayze as he takes on the lead role in the updated version of ‘Red Dawn.’  In the original, 1984 film, Russia and Cuba invaded the US, and it was up to a group of teenagers to fend them off of their small, Midwestern town.  In the updated version, it will be Russian and Chinese forces that invade.

Hemsworth is fine in the ‘Red Dawn’ role, and I’m sure he’ll be fine as Thor.  I just can’t help but think there was a better choice out there to play the Marvel god.  There was a rumor a few months back that Alexander Skarsgard, Eric on “True Blood,” was a leading candidate.  Personally, I think Skarsgard would have made the perfect Thor.  Who knows?  Maybe Skarsgard blew the audition and Hemsworth showed Branagh something special.

We will see when ‘Thor’ hits theaters on May 20th, 2011.  ‘Red Dawn’ is set for a September 24th, 2010 release.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Has ‘Thor’ Been Chosen?

thorcasting

This is not official.   I cannot express that sentiment enough.   THIS IS NOT OFFICIAL NEWS.   This is speculation brought on by someone who just happened to see Kenneth Branagh and a young, blonde actor having lunch together.

This news/not news comes to us from Latino Review’s El Mayimbe via an email from a reader.

Check it out:

Hey Mayimbe,

Long time reader, finally with something juicy.   I had a first hand eyeball witness of Kenneth Branagh eating dinner at Blairs today accompanied by a young Blonde actor who i recognized from HBO’s awesome miniseries Generation Kill that was on a year or so ago.   I had no idea what his name was but I got home today and Googled him, his name is Alexander Skarsgà ¥rd.   I have no idea if he actually is Thor or not, maybe he’s being considered, maybe he and Kenneth are just friends.   However, it seems likely he is being considered since he’s a young Blonde actor and seems to fit the description of the character. Two other men were with them but I didn’t recognize either of them. I know it’s speculative at best, even so I thought you’d wanna know.

Now, for those of you who don’t know Alexander Skarsgard, then you haven’t been watching HBO’s True Blood.

alexander-skarsgard

He’s 6’4″.   He’s the son of a great actor (Stellan Skarsgard).   He and Branagh are repped by the same agency.

If this ends up being an actual news story and Skarsgard is cast as Thor, I couldn’t be happier.   His Eric is by far the coolest character on True Blood, he’s a great actor, and the guy is friggin’ huge.   He would be the perfect choice to play Thor.

Once again, just take this as speculation for now.   When something official comes down the pipeline, we’ll be sure to dish that out for you, as well.

Source: Latino Review

Fantasy Cast… Who should play Marvel’s Thor?

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Word came last week as to what director Kenneth Branagh was looking for as far as Thor goes.   Apparently, he wants someone in their mid to late-20’s and six feet tall or taller.

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 her of our film.

Those are the exact words used to describe who should play the almighty Thor:

thorcasting1

Now, we are handing the reigns over to you, the Movie Geek readers.   With the above description, that pretty much shoots down the ideas of the role going to Kevin McKidd, Dolph Lundgren, or HHH.

Tell us who you would choose.   Shoot us a comment below.

Also, if you have any ideas for future “Fantasy Cast” articles, shoot us an email.   You could help contribute content for the site.   You can find all of our email addresses right here!

Branagh’s Casting Notice for ‘Thor’

thorcasting

Thanks to Corona Coming Attractions and their source, below is the casting call notice from Branagh and the producers developing the ‘Thor’ movie, based on the Norse God of Thunder character from Marvel. The notice describes which physical and personality traits they have in mind for the actor to convey.

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 her of our film.

So, with this in mind, who are you visualizing in the role of Thor? Does Kevin McKidd still have a chance? No, we are not going to consider Dolph again! Is this the direction you imagined the movie would take?

[source: Corona Coming Attractions]

‘Thor’ will get Shakespearian treatment, sort of…

It’s in the works. Kenneth Branagh has been asked to direct Marvel’s next hero to get screen time… Thor! Now, their is no word yet on who will be playing Thor or any of the other characters. However, it is certain that Kenneth will direct and a Thor movie is making its debut in the theaters.

Source: Splashpage.MTV.com

New ‘Valkyrie’ Stills and Trailer


United Artists has released some new images from the Tom Cruise vehicle, ‘Valkyrie’. Â  The film was directed by Bryan Singer and features a rather large cast including Kenneth Branagh, Bill Nighy, Tom Wilkinson, Terence Stamp, and Eddie Izzard.

UPDATE:

Here’s the exclusive new trailer released last night on Yahoo! Movies.

  

‘Valkyrie’ opens December 26.

Source: Coming Soon

Branagh Could be Directing ‘Thor’


It’s not officially set in stone just yet, but Kenneth Branagh is in serious negotiations to direct the comic book adaptation of ‘Thor’.   He would be joining Christopher Nolan, Jon Favreau, and Gavin Hood in the class of directors who moved on from art house classics to comic book heroes.

Written by Mark Protosevich (‘I Am Legend’), ‘Thor’ is about a disabled medical student, Dr. Donald Blake, who discovers his heretofore unknown alter ego, the Norse warrior, Thor.

‘Thor’ is being produced by Marvel Enterprises.   No distributor has been chosen yet, but the film is scheduled for a 2010 release.

source: Variety