Brian Blessed Cast as Thor’s Father?

Published by Jeff Leins on: June 2nd, 2009

British actor Brian Blessed may be playing Odin in Marvel’s comic book movie Thor.  The character is the ruler of the mythological Norse world Asgard, biological father of “the god of thunder” (Thor), and adopted father of “the god of mischief” (Loki).

According to BleedingCool.com, Blessed has already been picked for the role by director Kenneth Branagh.  The two worked together on film productions of Shakespeare’s Hamlet and As You Like It.  Blessed is best known for playing Prince Vultan in 1980’s Flash Gordon.  There has been no confirmation from Marvel on Odin’s casting, so his selection is still considered a rumor, however the news seems to fit with Branagh’s relatively unknown picks so far: Chris Hemsworth as Thor and Tom Hiddleston as Loki.  Though a bankable star, Natalie Portman, has been rumored for the female lead.

In an interview last week, Hiddleston told the Daily Mail director Branagh (an avid Shakespeare enthusiast) envisions the villainous Loki as “Edmund in King Lear, but nastier.”  The two discussed the role and decided the character should “have a lean and hungry look, like Cassius in Julius Caesar.”  Two Shakespearean plays references in one interview point to a character-driven piece rather than a mindless action movie.  It should be an odd May 2011.

In preparation for the comic book roll-out, Marvel has created four new logos for their upcoming adaptations.  Take a look at the Licensing Show poster for Thor, Iron Man 2, Captain America, and The Avengers, courtesy of AICN:

Click to enlarge.