CAST EM': Thor 2

Similar to Iron Man 3, casting will start to ramp up soon for Thor 2 with the production starting this summer. A majority of the original cast will be returning such as Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Tom Hiddleston (Loki), Anthony Hopkins (Odin), Natalie Portman (Jane), Jaimie Alexander (Sif), Idris Elba (Hemidell), Ray Stevenson (Volstagg), Tadanobu Asano (Hogan) and Josh Dallas (Fendral). Alan Taylor (Game of Thrones) will be directing with a script from Don Payne (Thor, Simpsons) and Robert Rodat (Saving Private Ryan, Falling Skies, Warcraft).

It was revealed by Marvel's Kevin Feige that we'll be seeing the cast of Asgardians doubling in the sequel. With director Alan Taylor mostly known for directing television episodes Marvel might be looking at TV actors to fill new roles. The studio is notoriously tight with paying their actors and Thor 2 could be a stomping ground for rising actors alongside well known ones. I've done this CAST EM' multiple times but it's been updated to compliment director Alan Taylor.

BENJAMIN WALKER AS BALDER THE BRAVE: Balder is one Asgard's greatest warriors and had been wanted for the first film. Artists for the movie had did early costume concepts but the character didn't make the cut. When Thor earns the title of Prince of Midgard and becomes Earth's protector, Balder takes his place in Asgard.

Benjamin Walker was originally in talks to play Hank McCoy (Beast) in X-Men First Class but wouldn't land the role. He did end up getting the lead in Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter instead. Walker is a rather bulky actor and seems like he would fit in nicely with the rest of the cast at six foot three inches. Ben has an extensive background in theater, comedy and now action films, a perfect combo. Recently he was cast in Paradise Lost but the Warner Bros. production is currently being delayed.

EMILIA CLARKE AS BRUNHILDE THE VALKYRIE: Valkyrie is one of the best known supporting Asgardians and was involved with the Marvel superhero team Defenders. She's also one of the only female warriors in the realm. It would be nice to see Sif  have competition and someone she can identify with. Brunhilde is also known to have adventures on Earth so she could be great for cameos in other films including Avengers 2.

Emilia Clarke has previously worked with Alan Taylor on two seasons of Game of Thrones. She's a newcomer and hasn't had much experience with films. Marvel would be able to hire her for their minimal fee and Emilia already has an international following because of the series. I'm sure Clarke would jump on the chance to make a film of this scale.

MELANIE LAURENT AS AMORA THE ENCHANTRESS: Amora is a fan favorite and one of the best villains in Thor's rogues gallery. She uses her skills in magic and manipulation to bend others to her will. I could see the character teaming up with Loki to gain power in Asgard. Also, she could be conflicted and jealous of Thor's intentions with the human Jane Foster.

French actress Melanie Laurent is someone I believe could do this role justice. Not just a pretty face this actress can be both dramatic, sweet and vengeful. Her performances in Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds and this year's The Beginngers have made a large impact on critics. Melanie is an excellent young talent and should be in more event films.

JOE MANGANIELLO AS SKRUGE THE EXECUTIONER: Amora's side-kick and equally as powerful as any other Asgardian, Skruge is another along anticipated character. The Executioner follows Amora like a loyal dog and could be an excellent combatant for Thor. I felt the Destroyer was a terrible villain since it was a faceless object. A villain needs to have dimensions to care about their actions. I would hope that if Skurge is used he isn't just another mindless bruiser.

A lot of fans have been mention stuntmen or wrestlers for this role but I feel Marvel goes the extra mile with casting well known characters. True Blood's Joe Manganiello is my choice and could be a way for him to live out his dreams to play a superhuman. Joe had been a candidate to play Superman in Zack Snyder's Man of Steel but ultimately lost the role. The problem for the casting team is that they'll have to hire someone bigger than Chris Hemsworth which is sort of challenge. Not to mention someone who has an acting background. Joe is around two inches taller than Chris and has slightly more bulk to him. He's also no stranger to the genre playing Flash Thompson in the original Spider-Man film.

CATE BLANCHETT AS HELA: When thinking of who could be as menacing as Colm Feore's Laufey, Tom Hiddleston's Loki or even Anthony Hopkin's Odin, Hela is equally as powerful and threatening. While in the comics it's revealed Hela is Loki's daughter I'm sure it could be changed for the films. In charge of the underworld there have been events where she alines herself with Loki and takes the fight to the gates of Asgard.

When I think of an actress that could carry this booming character it comes down to Cate Blanchett. She is a versatile actress and like Hopkins equally renowned for her performances. She's someone I believe can keep up with the diverse cast and the scene stealing Hiddleston. The only issue could be her involvement in the extensive Hobbit shoot.

Robert Rodat To Do Rewrites On Thor 2 Script

Deadline reports that screenwriter Robert Rodat has been brought on to do some late rewrites on the Thor 2 script before the summer production start in London. It's interesting that Marvel would be pushing rewrites since pre-production I assume is already underway on the Thor sequel. Rodat is best known for writing Saving Private Ryan and The Patriot but was also involved with writing Sam Raimi's adaptation of Warcraft. Rewrites are a common thing, the original Thor film was also written by Don Payne but writers Ashley Miller and Zack Stentz added to the script in a similar way.

New Avengers Image Has Thor And Cap Together

Marvel Officially Hires Director Alan Taylor For Thor Sequel!

Marvel Studios has finally chosen a new director for Thor 2. Deadline reports Marvel has indeed picked television director Alan Taylor to replace Patty Jenkins (Monster). While I was shocked Jenkins exited the project I think hiring Taylor is a solid move by the studio. Alan has been directing episodes on some of the best shows ever airing on television. Those credits include Game of Thrones, Boardwalk Empire, Sopranos, Oz, Mad Men, Rome, West Wing and Deadwood. He's proven to be able to handle large casts which will be needed with the cast of Asgardians more than doubling in the next film. The Thor sequel will be released on November 15th 2013 with production expected to start in fall 2012.

Marvel has left the door open for Patty to perhaps direct another one of their budding franchises in the future. I'm hoping that Marvel ends up using Jenkins for projects like Doctor Strange, Black Panther or even Iron Fist. Since she seems more like the type of director to start a superhero franchise with her own vision, not just to continue another one.

RUMOR: Alan Taylor Front-Runner To Direct Thor 2?

Questionable sources are saying that television director Alan Taylor is now in talks with Marvel Studios to helm Thor 2. Patty Jenkins (Monster) and Brian Kirk (Game of Thrones, Luther) were both involved in different stages before the studio went on another director search. Taylor's name recently came up and seemed like a solid choice considering he's been involved with a bunch of successful series.

His extensive TV directing credits include Oz, The West Wing, Six Feet Under, Deadwood, Lost, Rome, The Sopranos, Mad Men, Nurse Jackie, Bored To Death, Boardwalk Empire and Game of Thrones. Alan has ran the gamete of almost every genre possible and seems perfect for the multiple layered Marvel cinematic universe. If he doesn't get the Thor 2 gig, Marvel would be smart to nab him for a future project. Pre-production will need to begin soon to meet the projected September production start date.

He-Man Movie Back On Track At Sony

It hasn't been a great journey for the He-Man: Masters of The Universe reboot. Originally setup at Warner Bros. with producer Joel Silver and director John Stevenson (Kung Fu Panda) going to make the remake. The project eventually seemed too expensive or creatively off for the studio and it got the axe. There hasn't been any news on the film until now. BleedingCool reports Sony is resurrecting the project at Escape Artists. No screenwriter or director has been mentioned but with the success of Thor this now might be a priority for Sony. A mix between Thor and Flash Gordon the film has some potential to become a fun fantasy blockbuster. This movie could really work if the scale is there along with a strong cast.

I feel like the Hemsworth brothers would be perfect for the role of He-Man. Chris Hemsworth has pretty much edged himself as the go to guy for fantasy leads with roles as Thor and The Huntsman. I think if anyone could breathe a third dimension into to He-Man it would be Chris. His brother Liam is also gathering some action credit of his own with Hunger Games and Expendables 2 on the horizon.

Who Should Direct Thor 2?

Now that we know that Patty Jenkins, Brian Kirk and Kenneth Branagh aren't options to direct Thor 2, who could? Previously we've seen some names that seem like odd matches before but have turned out great for Marvel Studios like Jon Favreau and Branagh. I think with the production date looming the studio might want to consider a few names. They very well won't workout because of scheduling issues but I feel these directors could bring something to the table.

RUPERT SANDERS: He's new to the movie industry but is cutting his teeth with a rather large project currently Snow White And The Huntsman which stars Chris Hemsworth. Rupert already has a working relationship with Hemsworth and seems to be able to handle a project of this size along with it's budget restrictions. Huntsman features a lot of fantasy aspects that could be interesting seen in a Thor sequel. The humor might be an issue for Sanders since Huntsman looks like it could be a lot more serious than Thor. However, the last film was able to balance between many different emotions and could go darker if need be. While Huntsman will get a June release date between now and then Sanders is likely going to be busy as can be with post-production on the film.

NICOLAS WINDING REFN: Nicolas is film geek gold winning over many with his conceptual eye-popping thriller Drive this year. He's been itching to make a comic book film being on many people's list to step in for future Batman films. Not to mention Refn's own intentions on making a serious Wonder Woman film for Warner Bros. but has yet to be taken up on the offer. Refn has stated his favorite of his own films was Valhalla Rising which featured a one eyed mute Viking slave who was a prize fighter. If Marvel really wanted to go the auteur route Nicolas would be that route. He's currently shooting another smaller film title Only God Forgives which could easily be edited on the fly. I could see him being able to handle the genre and it's humor my only concern would be it's pacing. The only issue could be his in development remake of Logan's Run could end up being his next project if WB wants it to be.

DUNCAN JONES: He's been linked as a contender for Man of Steel, The Wolverine and Iron Man 3, the latter more rumor if anything else. Jones is a solid science fiction director his films Moon and Source Code run the gauntlet of emotions which doesn't often happen in the genre. Thor is equally set in fantasy as it is science fiction which could be explored greatly with Jones behind the camera. He currently doesn't have a set film on his slate while the others on the list do. Duncan has yet to fully jump into franchise territory and is unlikely to do so without a serious reason to. One of his passion projects Mute has been lacking in financing which could change if he knocked out something like Thor 2. I liken Duncan to Matthew Vaughn early in his career, so I dying to see what he can do with a Marvel property.

Patty Jenkins Won't Direct Thor 2

Deadline reports that Monster director Patty Jenkins won't be directing Thor 2. The studio and Patty had a disagreement over creative issues which lead to her exit. However, they state Jenkins could end up directing another one of Marvel's laundry list projects. Marvel will have to move quickly as production is expected to start in September of next year with a release date a little over a year after that date. Giving a director enough time to put together pre-production, set creation and new casting additions. Thor 2 is expected to be a rather large sequel with it's Asgardian population rumored to be doubling in size. Not to mention the fact there has been talk the movie is likely to be set in other realms which is very costly for the studio.

Brian Kirk (Luther, Game of Thrones) had also been in talks with the studio but also left over creative and budget issues. This isn't new for Marvel as the original Thor film went through a similar process to find it's director. Names like Matthew Vaughn and Sam Raimi were once attached to direct before Kenneth Branagh was ultimately hired. Jenkins could better suit a majority of the other projects in development and I'm sure will be back at Marvel in the future.
If Rupert Sanders wasn't busy with Snow White and The Huntsman I would have felt he was the director for the job. The film has a similar scale and tone which also stars Chris Hemsworth.

Snow White And The Huntsman Trailer

Promo Art For Snow White & The Huntsman

Here is a piece of promo art for Rupert Sander's Snow White And The Huntsman. Rupert's version is dark/gritty and has been attributed to the fantasy-style of Lord of The Rings. It's impressive cast includes Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth (Thor, Avengers, Red Dawn), Charlize Theron (Prometheus, Fury Road), Sam Claflin (Pirates 4), Noah Huntley, Nick Frost (Hot Fuzz, Attack The Block), Ray Winstone, Ian McShane (Deadwood), Bob Hoskins (Hook), Toby Jones (Captain America), Eddie Marsan (Sherlock Holmes, Jack The Giant Killer) and Steven Graham (Snatch, Boardwalk Empire).

Hemsworth, Hiddleston, Dallas & Branagh Comment On Patty Jenkins

Tom Hiddleston (Loki), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Joshua Dallas (Fandral), even producer and former director Kenneth Branagh weigh in on new director Patty Jenkins.  It seems like an overwhelming wave of positivity coming from the cast and it sounds Marvel is excited by her take on the material. Thor 2 which is slated for a November 15th 2013 release.


Tom Hiddleston: "[She is] an absolutely amazing director" and that 'Monster' is "one of my favorite films. I'm so excited that Marvel has given the reigns to a director who has such of an incredible grasp of story, performance and complexity. I think her handling of the characters and the arc of the story in 'Monster' and what the story is about on the whole is really, really fascinating. I'm sure it's going to take us on another adventure somewhere that's entertaining and funny in some capacity, and the fact that Patty is at the helm is really, really exciting."

Chris Hemsworth:  “She has a great take on the story and a solid grasp on that kind of universe,” Hemsworth said in his meeting with Jenkins she seemed like a filmmaker worthy of picking up the franchise’s cinematic hammer “Branagh read every comic book he could get his hands on,” Hemsworth said. “She also looked like she had done her homework.”

 Kenneth Branagh: "Monster was, I think, an absolutely sensational film. I think that she’s a great talent. As a possibility in the mix, I think that’s a tremendous idea."

Joshua Dallas: "We are! We are planning a return to Asgard, next year. Thor 2 is happening. A great director called Patty Jenkins is directing the sequel. Ken [Branagh] is not directing, which is obviously a huge shame, because he came in and created that world and created the language and the look of the whole thing. But he's kind of set it all up for us and I think he's staying on as a producer. But yeah, there's going to be some more adventures in the Nine Realms."

"I haven't yet, no. But apparently Marvel are in love with her and I'm sure she is going to be a really exciting and interesting choice. She's done some great work before. Marvel always have a really good idea for those directors that are going to come in and they may seem out of left field, but they always have a plan and they're always really smart. And that's what's so great about working for Marvel, because not only are they movie producers and they make these great movies, but they're comic book guys and they love it and they love the characters and they love the stories."

Director Patty Jenkins Confirmed For Thor 2, Release Date Moved

Deadline has the official press release from Marvel Studios announcing that Monster director Patty Jenkins has been hired to make Thor 2. The sequel had just been pushed back to November 15th 2013 so Disney could fit The Lone Ranger into their summer lineup. Hopefully this could mean a bigger spectacle with an extra four months to complete post-production special effects. While Kenneth Branagh won't be directing he is still producing the film and likely contributing from the sidelines. Jenkins is the second female director to make a Marvel film and is an excellent choice in my opinion. It's expected that the original cast will return along with talk of expanding the cast of Asgardians.

I'd like to see Patty cast Swedish actor Joel Kinnaman (Snabba Cash 1-2, Dragon Tattoo, Safe House, Darkest Hour) in a role. She previously worked with Joel when Jenkins directed the pilot episode of The Killing which earned her an Emmey nomination. Joel was one of the finalists for the role of Thor that included Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston. Hiddleston ended up landing the meatier role of Loki and is one of the best aspects of current run of Marvel films. It could be interesting to see Kinnaman in the role of Balder or one of the villains such as such as Malekith. Marvel might to move quickly before he gets cast in Steven Soderbergh's budding spy franchise The Man From UNCLE.


Another possibility is that Charlize Theron might re-team with Patty who helped earn her Best Actress Oscar for Monster. Theron is looking to make a powerful comeback after a batch sluggish films with roles in Jason Reitman's Young Adult, Ridley Scott's Prometheus and George Miller's Max Mad Fury Road. Not to mention starring alongside Thor himself Chris Hemsworth in Snow White And The Huntsman. I think she'd be great for Amora The Enchantress , Brunnhilde The Valkyrie or the villain Hela.

The only problem is that Fury Road is expected to start production in March and there are rumors of a sequel being at the same time.  That's of course if she can work it into her busy production for Mad Max. However, with the new release date and a spring production start Marvel would have plenty of time to accommodate Theron's other commitments.

New/Old High-Rez Avengers Images From Marvel

Could Scarlet Witch Become An Asgardian In Thor 2?

We've been hearing a bit on the progress of Thor 2 but nothing concerning villains or new characters. It's been reported that we could see the cast of Asgardians double. So that means we could see at least six new characters in the sequel. One character that's been knocked around since Iron Man 2 is Scarlet Witch.

Yes, in the comics she is a mutant and the daughter of Magneto. However, she's been more active in The Avengers and West Coast Avengers comics and has magic based powers. This might exclude her from the X-Men/Fox deal and that she very well show up in Marvel Studios' films. Previously director Jon Favreau had Scarlett Johansson in mind for the part when Witch was originally included in Iron Man 2.  Emily Blunt vacated the Black Widow role which was filled by Johansson leading to the character to be cut from the film. I don't think Kevin Feige would have even allowed Jon to play with the idea unless they actually have control of the character. I could see the studio making Witch an Asgardian since it's a good way to reinvent the character for the screen.

It wouldn't be the first time Marvel has reinvented a character to fit their Cinematic Universe. Bucky Barnes, Black Widow, Whiplash, Justin Hammer, Jane Foster and Thor have all had their characters retooled to fit the films so it wouldn't be shocking to see it happen again. My thought is that Scarlet could end up being one of the many new Asgardians in Thor 2. Thor's rogues gallery is full and colorful his group of cohorts is somewhat unbalanced. The amount of villains out weights the group of allies and friends, considering the scale of this fantasy world. We should expect characters like Balder (The Brave), Amora (The Enchantress), Skurge (The Executioner) and Brunhilde (Valkyrie) but the impression I get is that we could see the studio give us even more. Scarlet is also a prolific member of the Avengers so she could make an excellent addition to the mostly male lineup.

If I had to choose someone to play the heroine it would be Ruth Wilson who is best known from the BBC series Luther and The Prisoner mini-series. She's also attached for the female lead in Disney's The Lone Ranger alongside Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer.

Other Directors In The Running For Thor 2

Variety adds to the recent story of Marvel Studios being in talks with director Patty Jenkins (Monster) to helm Thor 2. They reveal four other directors also in contention which includes Drew Goddard (Cabin In The Woods), James McTeigue (V For Vendetta), Noam Murro (300: Battle of Artemesia) and Breck Eisner (The Crazies). Goddard's Cabin In The Woods stars Chris Hemsworth and was written by Joss Whedon, Drew might get backing from the two. Brian Kirk (Game of Thrones) has walked because of creative/financial differences with the studio so we can cross him out.

Marvel Studios Considering Patty Jenkins To Direct Thor 2

Deadline reports that Marvel Studios is in full swing looking for a new director for Thor 2. It's been expected the sequel will start shooting this spring while Iron Man 3 will start in June. Considering the release date of July 2013 the studio is going to need to announce a director soon so that pre-production and casting can start. Patty Jenkins (Monster, The Killing) is a name in serious contention for the job. Patty's film Monster helped Charlize Theron earn her Oscar. Previously Brian Kirk who is known for directing episodes of Boardwalk Empire and Game of Thrones had been linked for the director's chair.

Cast Em': Marvel Studios' Thor 2

With the announcement of Marvel Studios moving forward with a sequel to Thor, setting a release date for July 26th 2013. Along with a script in development from and Brian Kirk in talks to direct. There was the inclusion that the sequel could be entirely set in the cosmic realms. Giving audiences a better look into Asgard and the surrounding realms/creatures. I've come up with my own opinions on which characters should be featured and who should play them.


THOR 2 SUGGESTED CASTING ADDITIONS


Adam Baldwin (Full Metal Jacket) As Scourge The Executioner

Alice Eve As Amora The Enchantress

Joe Manganiello (True Blood) As Balder The Brave

Abbie Cornish As Brunnhilde The Valkeryie

Gemma Arterton As Lorelei

Benedict Cumberbatch As Malekith The Accursed

Brian Cox As Ulik The Rock Troll

Eva Green (Casino Royale) As Alflyse

HBO's Brian Kirk In Talks To Direct Thor 2, Coming July 26th 2013

ShowBlitz reports that Marvel Studios is currently in talks with Game Of Thrones/Boardwalk Empire director Brian Kirk to take on Thor 2. The sequel is set to be released on July 26th 2013.

It's not surprising Kirk is getting film offers since both Game of Thrones and Boardwalk Empire have blown up thanks to his work directing several of the first season's episodes. While I believe Kenneth Branagh did an excellent job on the first film I didn't outright love it. New blood seems like a good move along with hiring Shane Black for Iron Man 3 coming out the same year. It's expected the second film will be entirely set in the cosmic world focusing on a larger cast of Asgardians and mystical creatures/foes. Which seems to sort of parallel Thrones slightly, so it could very well turn out for the better.

RUMOR: Thor 2 Coming 2013 & Possible Villains?

It wasn't too long ago that Marvel Studios set Thor writer Don Payne to start working on a sequel's story. Director Kenneth Branagh said that the only way there would be another film if is audiences showed up and they did. Now with the film racking up close to $352 million worldwide in box office numbers so far it seems like a no-brainer for Marvel to move forward with another Thor.

CinemaBlend is now offering some tidbits of information concerning Thor 2. First they give the impression the film could be coming sooner than expected with a possible 2013 date opening the same summer as Iron Man 3. It sounds about right as Marvel has yet to announce a second 2013 film. They mention that possible villains could include Amora (The Enchantress) and Skurge (The Executioner) allies of Loki. Amora plays both sides working with and against Thor while trying to win his affection with magic and trickery. Skurge on the other hand is a bruiser warrior originally born in
Jotunheim (Frost Giant Realm).

Blend is usually on the money but things change as it's early in the development process. Previously they sited Fing Fang Foom, Ten Rings and Manderain as the villains in Iron Man 2 but that of course didn't turn out to be true. That being said the two a very likely going to be in future Thor films as they are centric characters but I wouldn't rule out non-Asgardian villains. Alice Eve has been linked previously to testing for different female roles and it's possible she very well could end up playing Amora. My hope is that the sequel is entirely set in the cosmic world giving us a better look at the mythology and the other realms. 

Chris Hemsworth Confirmed For Snow White & The Huntsman

Deadline reports that Chris Hemsworth (Star Trek, Thor) has been officially cast in the huntsman role in Rupert Saunder's Snow White & The Huntsman. Hemsworth has proved he can carry a rather large film with Thor. Chris has three big films coming out within the next year which includes the Red Dawn remake, the horror film Cabin In The Woods written by Joss Whedon (Buffy, Avengers) who is also directing him in Avengers. So everyone will know him by the time this film is released.

While I'm not too impressed with the casting of Kristen Stewart in the role of Snow White. The other supporting cast of Charlize Theron as the Evil Queen and Sam Claflin (Ironclad, Pirates 4) as the Prince are decent enough now that Hemsworth is involved. Chris wasn't the only actor in mind as the studio reached out to Johnny Depp, Tom Hardy, Viggo Mortensen and Hugh Jackman.