Chris Hemsworth Wins the Role of ‘Thor’

Published by Jeff Leins on: May 17th, 2009

Chris Hemsworth has been cast as the lead in Marvel’s adaptation of the comic book character Thor directed by Kenneth Branagh.  The stand-alone story will hit theaters May 20, 2011 and Hemsworth will also appear in the superhero team-up The Avengers scheduled a year later.

The relatively unknown actor is an Australian import from television soap operas down under.  He recently made his brief feature film debut as George Kirk (Captain James T. Kirk’s father) in Star Trek.  Hemsworth is also part of the ensemble for Joss Whedon’s horror flick The Cabin in the Woods.

Thor’s origin story was written by Mark Protosevich (I Am Legend) and is being described as about “a god realizing his true potential.”

The casting announcement caps an almost eight month search for the title character with countless rumors and erroneous short lists making their way online.  Josh Hartnett has been rumored for the villain Loki, Thor’s brother and the god of mischief.  According to Nikki Finke, who landed the exclusive, Hemsworth was cut early in the process by a casting director and after the actor’s agent pleaded for a second chance Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige gave him another reading.  Branagh saw the test footage, liked him and made the decision Saturday.

Plus, there’s more good news for Hemsworth.  He’s also snagged the role of Jed Eckert in the upcoming remake of Red Dawn.  The role was previously played by Patrick Swayze.  The film will make its way to theaters September 10, 2010.

Life changing week for the 25-year-old actor.