‘Thor’ To Begin Shooting Today; Townsend Out as Fandral
The comic book adaptation that could change the genre forever–’Thor’–begins shooting today. The Kenneth Branagh-directed film features an outstanding cast and a supposedly brilliant script.
In other ‘Thor’ news, actor Stuart Townsend is out as Fandral, according to the Associated Press. ‘Creative differences’ was cited by the AP. Townsend has had this happen previously, when he was supposed to play Arragorn in the ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy. We’re guessing that mis-step still stings.
Joshua Dallas replaces Townsend. We know nothing about Dallas, other than he’s in an upcoming George Lucas film.
Rene Russo Joins ‘Thor’ Cast
Rene Russo has joined the cast of ‘Thor,’ according to Variety. The actress will play Thor’s mother, Frigga.
With Anthony Hopkins, Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Russo (and others), we’re wondering: is this the best cast EVER for a comic book film?
Robert De Niro and Jude Law in ‘Thor?’
AICN reported some interesting news regarding the upcoming ‘Thor’ film. Seems as if actor Matthew Schweighofer (Valkyrie) told the German GQ magazine that he was up for a role in the film, to be directed by Kenneth Branagh. But that isn’t the big news.
According to the actor, Robert De Niro and Jude Law have both already been cast for the film. Interesting.
Anything to it? I’d have to think so. Branagh can pull out his rolodex and whip up a nice cast of A list actors anytime, and Schweighofer wouldn’t have a reason to make it up. The problem for Schweighofer, though, is that HE hasn’t been cast yet. And leaking this news might not improve his chances of getting hired.
SCREAM 2009 Awards Nominees Announced!
Spike TV’s 4th annual SCREAM Awards are coming up on October 17th at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles. Before we get to that ceremony however, first come the nominees! Announced late this afternoon, the nominees for the awards, which honor the fan favorites in comic books, sci-fi, horror and and fantasy, certainly comprise a number of blockbusters and fan favorites from the past year. J.J. Abram’s sci-fi masterpiece Star Trek leads the way with a total of seventeen nominations, including Best Science-Fiction Movie, Best Director and Best Ensemble. Read more
Thor Movie Adds Natalie Portman to Cast!
Marvel continues to roll out the announcements on its Thor movie. Recently, rumors swirled around Jessica Biel being cast, which is still a possibility, but Marvel has confirmed that Natalie Portman, no stranger to comic book and science fiction movies with her work in V for Vendetta and the Star Wars prequels, will be playing the role of nurse Jane Foster, Thor’s first love in the comic book series.
While the character will be receiving what Marvel describes as an update for the character, this announcement may help to frame the plot of the film more and more, which will center on Thor being cast to Earth for his behavior, and ironically will have to defend it against the plans of Loki, played by Chris Hemsworth. Portman brings an impressive list of credentials to the film, not the least of which is an Academy Award nomination for her work in Closer.
Ant-Man Movie Still has Interest, at Least From Edgar Wright!
Edgar Wright has certainly made a name for himself by directing a fair share of films that appeal to certain genres, such as his work on Shaun of the Dead and the upcoming Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, which may help to explain his continued interest in working on a big screen adaptation of one of Marvel Comics’ earliest, and arguably more niche, comic book characters, Ant-Man. Read more
Jessica Biel in the “Thor” Movie?
More casting rumors from the upcoming 2011 Marvel film Thor. Apparently, twenty-seven year old actress Jessica Biel is rumored to be playing a lead role in this adaptation of the Norse god of thunder and founding Avenger. Based on reports, Biel would be playing a “love interest” for Thor, which leads to two very distinct but intriguing possibilities for the film. Read more
Thor Casting Rumor: Brian Blessed as Odin?
Another ‘Thor’ casting rumor is about, and this one concerns another actor with ties to Director Kenneth Branagh. According to Bleedingcool.com, Brian Blessed has been cast as Odin, the father of Thor and his-half brother Loki.
Blessed has worked with Branagh on multiple occassions, including ‘Hamlet.’
More ‘Thor’ Casting: Tom Hiddleston is Loki
A couple of days ago, we got Thor (Chris Hemsworth). Now Marvel has announced that they have cast Thor’s nemesis. Tom Hiddleston will tackle the role of Loki, the god of mischief, who seeks to destroy Thor and humble the Mighty Thor.
Hiddleston was recently part of the cast of “Wallander”, a tv series that also starred Kenneth Branaugh. Branaugh is directing Thor.
Thor is scheduled for release in the U.S. May 20, 2011.
‘Thor’ is Finally Cast: It’s Chris Hemsworth
Virtual unknown Chris Hemsworth has been cast as Thor in the 2011 movie, according to Nikke Finke. While Hemsworth is mostly known for his work in native Australia, he appears to be an upcoming, hot commodity here in the U.S.
The 25 year old actor has a role in the blockbuster ‘Star Trek’ and he was recently cast as the lead for ‘Red Dawn.’ He also is currently filming ‘Cabin in the Woods’ (Joss Whedon).
