By The Hammer Of Thor (And By Thor I Mean This Guy)

 

After months of speculation and rumors flying everywhere, it looks like Marvel Comics and Kenneth Branagh have finally chosen the man who wield Mjölner in their upcoming film Thor.  And just who is this lucky man?  His name is Chris Hemsworth, and for anyone who saw the brand new Star Trek film recently, you'll recognize him as the guy who played George Kirk, James T. Kirk's ill fated father in the opening scene of that film.

 

Marvel has been on the hunt for a thesp with the athleticism and acting chops to pull off one of the more unusual superheroes in the company's pantheon. Final points of Hemsworth's deal were still being wrapped up over the weekend.

 

A Norse god, Thor develops a protective affinity for humans after his father Odin banishes him to Earth, in order to teach him a lesson in humility. From then on, he's often seen wielding his massive hammer and fighting alongside the Avengers (comprised of Iron Man, the Hulk and Captain America).

 

Hemsworth would also play the character in Marvel's planned Avengers team up pic in 2012.

 

I can't really say I have any complaints about this news right now.  I really liked Hemsworth as George Kirk in Star Trek.  He played the role well, and even though it was a small part, he definitely came off as the strong and heroic type.  Can he lead a major film as a starring character?  Only time will tell, but I think Marvel could have done a lot worse than this, so I'm going to keep an open mind and will see how the film looks when it comes out.

 

Also of note, Chris Hemsworth's next big film role will be in Joss Whedon's upcoming horror film Cabin In The Woods.  If both JJ Abrams and Joss Whedon have liked this guy enough to put him in their films, then just maybe he does have what it takes to be a Norse God of Thunder.

 

UPDATE

 

It also looks like we know who's going to be playing Thor's nemesis Loki as well.  According to reports, the meddling god will be played by British actor Tom Hiddleston.

 

Hiddleston, unknown to American audiences, is an award-winning Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts graduate and played Winston Churchill's son in HBO's The Gathering Storm. He also starred in Ivanov opposite Branagh on the London stage and in the BBC miniseries Wallander.

 

Marvel Studios won't confirm my news, but Hiddleston had been considered as a possible Thor. Thor is slated for release on May 20, 2011.

 

Since I've never heard of the guy before, I'm willing to bet you haven't either, so here's what he looks like.

 

 

Yeah, I could totally see that guy playing Loki.  He just has that total "mad god" look to him, doesn't he?  Just picture him making the face Loki's making below.  See it yet?