Strange as it may seem, Sir Anthony Hopkins is set to play his second Norse ruler within three years. Except this particular one could rip Grendel, his Mom, and Beowulf all new ones without even dropping a flagon of mead. The erstwhile Hannibal is set to play the All Father, aka Odin, aka the Thunder God’s and Loki’s old man in the upcoming Thor film for Marvel. He joins the already-cast Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Tom Hiddleston as Loki and Natalie Portman as Jane Foster, Thor’s love interest. Kenneth Branagh is helming and Mark Protosevich and Zack Stentz are scripting.
In case you’re not into Norse mythology, Marvel comics or Incredible Hulk TV movies, Odin is the ruler of Asgard, the Norse home of the gods, and raised Thor and Loki as brothers, only to see them become bitter enemies. Odin’s a fair and generally magnanimous god, but he’s not afraid to lay the bitchslap down on Thor when he steps out of line, including turning him into a crippled mortal doctor, Donald Blake.
I like this choice. The film is going to need someone to anchor it since the protagonist and the bad guy aren’t big-name stars. Of course, Hopkins could play anything and bring heft to it, and although Odin’s no Volstagg, he certainly demands heft. Hopkins’ next big role is in The Wolfman, which is out in February.
Thanks to Tipmaster Brian.