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By Odin's Beard, This Is Tremendous News!

THOR is being directed by Professor Lockhart? by PirateEmery	Sep 28th, 2008 10:50:32 PM
How odd...
Very interesting. But... by Spacker Dave	Sep 28th, 2008 10:57:17 PM
... What self-aggrandizing role will Branagh give himself? Donald Blake? Loki? Odin? Trust me, it will happen.
by the Rainbow bridge of Asgard!!! by AntiBeru	Sep 28th, 2008 10:58:48 PM
I'm back after a decade bitches
Branagh by mrbong	Sep 28th, 2008 10:59:23 PM
is a fascinating chap who, when given control, tells a great story, irrespective of the budget. leobloom has a good point about budgets not guaranteeing success, but i think it's safe to trust Branagh. expect him to deliver something in the league of Iron Man.
I do like this... by robosushi	Sep 28th, 2008 10:59:36 PM
this makes Thor very interesting
We'll see by VicSage	Sep 28th, 2008 11:01:24 PM
Some Branaugh projects are indeed good, but I still have a bad taste for his version of another epic, Frankenstein. Hoping for the best, but imho, with the possible exception of Doctor Strange, Thor may be the most difficult Marvel property to successfully translate with out making it look or sound hokey and preposterous. Here's hoping it can be done, because I'd love to see an Avengers movie.
there is no Donald Blake in this THOR by HEADGEEK	Sep 28th, 2008 11:02:38 PM
This film is entirely set within the mythical era of the TALES OF ASGARD, pre-Blake storyline. No Modern world
Ultimates Thor? by HBO	Sep 28th, 2008 11:06:09 PM
Would love to see him being portrayed as someone who is considered borderline crazy.. Anyway, this is good news.
Chuck Heston would have made a great Odin by Dark Knight Lite	Sep 28th, 2008 11:08:33 PM
Good luck, Mr. Branagh, this could be awesome.
Hemdale? by Lord John Whorfin	Sep 28th, 2008 11:09:18 PM
Who's that and what does he have to do with Thor? Or is this the same kind of thing as that "Oogra" (Aughra) fiasco?
Branagh perfect? by ChezKing	Sep 28th, 2008 11:10:00 PM
Really?
And that's fucking BULLshit... by Lord John Whorfin	Sep 28th, 2008 11:10:15 PM
that there's no Donald Blake in this. FUCKING BULLSHIT.
by Arteska	Sep 28th, 2008 11:10:53 PM
The Variety story say it is Donald Blake? http://www.variety.com/article /VR1117993032.html?categoryid= 13&cs=1
Thor is a great big Homo by darthpigman	Sep 28th, 2008 11:11:18 PM

CANT AFFORD RAINBOW BRIDGE TOLL! by alice 13	Sep 28th, 2008 11:11:34 PM
copy + paste prz.
A chance to bring Kirby to the Big Screen by crankyoldguy	Sep 28th, 2008 11:13:48 PM
The Right Way. I think Branagh is the one who could pull it off. He wants to be a character - say Heimdall - okay by me. Thor? Not sure who, but definitely sure not a Hollywood twit boy. And no bodybuilders who can't act. yeesh. How about a UK semi-unknown type? And no to Ultimates Thor. Again, this is the chance to make Kirby work on the big screen (F.F. could've have, even with the Purple helmet outfit had there been faith..) Kirby's mid-to-end of the '60s issues plus perhaps a touch of the Simonson era.
THOR NOW OWNS YOUR ASS! by LordEnigma	Sep 28th, 2008 11:13:54 PM
EMBRACE IT, LOVE IT, AND REMEMBER IT!
It'd be sweet... by Lord John Whorfin	Sep 28th, 2008 11:14:03 PM
if Thor eats the goats that pull his chariot, careful to not break any of the bones, except for that one shin bone and wakes up to find one of his goats is lame. That would rule.
@ Arteska- tyvm for the link. : ) by alice 13	Sep 28th, 2008 11:14:38 PM

thor from "adventures in babysitting" by Jubba	Sep 28th, 2008 11:15:32 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v =cZHPT4_0NM4
Um, yeah by kafka07	Sep 28th, 2008 11:17:23 PM
So then will this will be about as good as Branagh's version of Frankenstien?
Wow! by Charlie_Allnut	Sep 28th, 2008 11:17:52 PM
I always wondered why Branagh hasn't done more directing - he's more capable and talented then 90% of the directors working today! This is great news.
"You want me to dress like Thor? I'll dress like Thor!" by Nasty In The Pasty	Sep 28th, 2008 11:18:53 PM

wtf? by Gungan Slayer	Sep 28th, 2008 11:19:59 PM
Wow. Thor, or I guess any comic book movie for that matter, doesn't seem like the type of movie Branagh would direct. weird. should be interesting
This is the best thing I have ever heard. by Johnny Smith	Sep 28th, 2008 11:21:10 PM
The only thing to top it would be Ian McShane as Odin.
So the Enchantress is... by AntiBeru	Sep 28th, 2008 11:22:25 PM
CGI Emma Thompson, Thor's walking stick: Jackie Chan
Sounds like that time they gave Ang Lee Hulk by beetlegeuse	Sep 28th, 2008 11:24:32 PM
At least its not Rob Zombie
Going to up the geek ante a bit here... by Cyrus Clops	Sep 28th, 2008 11:26:11 PM
...and suggest that Harry meant the Norse god Heimdall, who figures prominently in the comics (he guards the Rainbow Bridge between Asgard and Midgard). "Hemdale" sounds like a fictional presidential candidate. ("A vote for Hemdale is a vote for peace!").
Spacker Dave by Charlie_Allnut	Sep 28th, 2008 11:28:46 PM
Yeah fuckin actor directors with their self aggrandizing roles! Like when Welles cast himself as Citizen Kane, or Mel Gibson as William Wallace - its disgusting I tell you! The nerve of those talentless bastards!
"handed to the incapable RATner" by Playkins	Sep 28th, 2008 11:29:41 PM
A little biased there, Harry? Just what did he do (or not do) that makes you fire the slanderous remarks so quickly? For that matter, he's got nothing to do with this story. Why even bring him up other than to bash him? And I'm sick of being called "apologist" because I liked X3. I liked it. Get over it.
At first glance I thought... by SifoDyasJr.	Sep 28th, 2008 11:29:43 PM
...that Branaugh was directing the Anchorman sequel. But, now that I think about it, Thor will probably be a better fit for his talents.
PLAYKINS by Shia LaBeoufs Uncle	Sep 28th, 2008 11:30:58 PM
The last time Matthew Vaughn left a Marvel flick, Ratner was his replacement. Also, X3 was absolutely terrible.
MrNotHere by MrNotHere	Sep 28th, 2008 11:31:41 PM
I think Hemdale is a British production company that the director has worked for in the past.
booty time by ReEkOs_RoUgHnEcKs	Sep 28th, 2008 11:31:57 PM

No Modern World? by alynch3	Sep 28th, 2008 11:32:49 PM
If they plan on tying it in to The Avengers, then they have to somehow tie it in to the modern world in some way, at the end of the story at least.
KENNETH?? BRANAUGH??? UM ... NO?!? by BringingSexyBack	Sep 28th, 2008 11:34:35 PM
Harry do you recall a little movie called Frankenstein? Branaugh's gonna bring his over-acting sensibilities to a Marvel franchise. I know it's Thor and Asgard and all, but we need someone who won't treat it like a Shakespearean play. Flames on Loki!!!
frikin cool... by superzero	Sep 28th, 2008 11:35:06 PM
...good news methinks. anthony hopkins needs to be in this...so does jeremy irons and malkovich. a semi unknown should play thor. glad to see there not using the whole donald blake thing. still wondering how they'll tie thor into the new "continuity". i still have my FOOM pin and wear it to all the marvel flicks! gods i'm old....
i like Brannagh, but his "frankenstein" was kinda... by JimmyJoe RedSky	Sep 28th, 2008 11:36:24 PM

Will Smith as Thor? by JimmyJoe RedSky	Sep 28th, 2008 11:36:44 PM

This is 3 for 3 for Marvel Studios... by JediRob	Sep 28th, 2008 11:37:15 PM
...for interesting and less than expected choices. Let's hope they can deliver on product as well. Kevin McKidd is my pick for Thor.
Good To See Branagh back in the Game by DKT	Sep 28th, 2008 11:38:05 PM
Hope this works out...
Will Smith as Thor is like Tobey Maguire as Mohammed by Johnny Smith	Sep 28th, 2008 11:38:26 PM
Just sayin'.
I thought JMS was writing this? by The Funketeer	Sep 28th, 2008 11:38:31 PM
wasn't he?
JMS was writing the Silver Surfer movie, which was shelved. by Johnny Smith	Sep 28th, 2008 11:39:15 PM
His Thor comics are reportedly a huge influence on the current direction of the film, though.
Nick Nolte as Thor by ReEkOs_RoUgHnEcKs	Sep 28th, 2008 11:39:44 PM

What a fucking ballsy move! by FuckMichaelBay	Sep 28th, 2008 11:40:24 PM

holy fucking shit by TheDark0Knight	Sep 28th, 2008 11:41:02 PM
Ive only seen Brannagh's Hamlet but that was ridiculously fucking epic..consider me stoked.
far out-shakesperean thor-to smite or not to smite by pipergates	Sep 28th, 2008 11:48:40 PM

Huh? Branagh? by TroutMaskReplicant	Sep 28th, 2008 11:49:47 PM
What a peculiar choice. Perhaps they're slashing the budget a lot (Vaughn quoted the original projected budget at 300 million!) and essentially want to make a talky superhero film that sets up Thor's entry to the world of the Avengers. I can't imagine they're be lots of action in it though.
Will this be done by Marvel Studios? by hillshavevaginas	Sep 28th, 2008 11:53:14 PM
Just like Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk? And if it is, are those the only three they've done so far?
by heypal	Sep 28th, 2008 11:53:46 PM
Branagh will cast himself as Thor and make a stupid movie. Just like he does with all his Shakespeare interpretations. Never mind the fact that he's twenty years old to play that part, no one else gets it like he does... What a jackass.
Mads Mikkelsen is the only possible Thor by pipergates	Sep 28th, 2008 11:54:06 PM

hillshavevaginas by Shia LaBeoufs Uncle	Sep 28th, 2008 11:55:00 PM
Yes, on both counts. Except IRON MAN 2 will come out the same year as THOR.
Thanks Shia by hillshavevaginas	Sep 28th, 2008 11:55:59 PM

Max Von Sydow as Odin by joe90025	Sep 28th, 2008 11:57:11 PM
I'd like to hear him say "Mjolnir" before he dies.
I guarantee Blake will make an appearance. by Spacker Dave	Sep 28th, 2008 11:57:51 PM
Of course it will be at the very end of the film but I have no doubt in my mind that Thor will make it to modern day Earth. Remember, Marvel is trying to establish its Avengers characters in the same space and time. Having Odin send Thor to Earth to teach him some humility is inevitable.
Oh how good Henry V was! by Utamoh	Sep 28th, 2008 11:58:59 PM
Branagh was only 28 years old when he made this - his first feature film. Still his best. Interesting choice for Thor.
About time..... by Nuking the Fridge	Sep 29th, 2008 12:00:12 AM
Why has not directed more. A man of such talent. I still remember seeing Dead Again back in the early 90's.
or Ingvar Eggert Sigurðsson by pipergates	Sep 29th, 2008 12:00:43 AM
big guy who played Grendel in Beowulf and Grendel
I ONLY ASK FOR ONE THING by BringingSexyBack	Sep 29th, 2008 12:02:29 AM
Lots of sweaty half-naked men in battle!!!!
Kenny has but one major special effects motion picture under his by ARGH!	Sep 29th, 2008 12:04:03 AM
It's Frankenstein and it friggin' sucks... a lot. I think comparisons to Ang Lee are reasonable, for all intents and purposes these well read, well spoken, intelligent individuals may be too well read, well spoken and intelligent to deliver a great popcorn movie. If they do go with Ultimates style Thor I say great, he's the only interpretation of the character I've ever thought was worth reading; all others came across as pretentious or silly. If one Avenger flops, how will that bode for the rest of the team? Would that be like throwing Halle Berry's Catwoman into Batman 7 (Dark Knight 2, Batman Begins 3, um, whatever)? Hmmm, curiouser and curiouser... And has anyone noticed that now that there's been a couple of actually decent comic flicks that Daredevil (and its director's cut) are pretty much unwatchable? And does anyone think Spidey will be in this new Avengers? Does one studio hold all the rights to potential Avengers? And how many times will Ant Man beat his wife between the span of two films?
Looking back at Branagh's filmography... by TroutMaskReplicant	Sep 29th, 2008 12:04:07 AM
Can anyone imagine this film being made for over 100 million? I'd say they're going to try making it for Hellboy II money.
or Jouko Ahola, the giant with arrow in throat by pipergates	Sep 29th, 2008 12:06:09 AM
in Kingdom of Heaven
Why all the hate toward Ratner? by DarthBakpao	Sep 29th, 2008 12:07:08 AM
Considering the amount of time left for X3 release date, he pulled a decent job within impossible schedules. And i enjoyed Red Dragon, sue me!
Bringingsexyback by mr dark	Sep 29th, 2008 12:07:28 AM
Oh I'm sure you'll get that and more..but I gotta say this at least makes this interesting now that Branagh is at the helm..I wonder if it will a bombastic Asgard and full of intrigue and betrayal..Oh the Humanity!!
Frankenstein was a steaming shitburger! by blackmantis	Sep 29th, 2008 12:11:51 AM
But I love Much Ado About Nothing, so they cancel out. Could be interesting.
Brannagh and Alex de la Iglesia are filming by pipergates	Sep 29th, 2008 12:14:09 AM
The Yellow M, famous euro graphic novel. With Malkovich too, nice bunch of people.
Henry V was Branagh's best film by ThrowMeTheIdol	Sep 29th, 2008 12:14:46 AM
Which gives me both hope and concern since he hasn't made a good movie in a long while.
Just Mythological Thor? by Toonol	Sep 29th, 2008 12:16:38 AM
If it's not obviously in the M.U., and there's no Donald Blake, I'm not much more interested in seeing this than I was, say, 13th warrior. That's a bit like a Spiderman movie that's solely about Spidey's wrestling career.
Derek Jacobi = Odin by erikharrison	Sep 29th, 2008 12:17:04 AM
Win.
I hate to play the "casting game", but.... by ShiftyEyedDog2	Sep 29th, 2008 12:17:34 AM
in a world where Downey can be Iron Man and Norton is Hulk, I honestly think the way to go is... GERARD BUTLER as Thor ...but not sure he could pull off the blond hair. or how about SEAN BEAN?
And Ratner by Toonol	Sep 29th, 2008 12:18:49 AM
doesn't deserve the hate. It's just some weird thing this site has against him. As a director, Ratner's just average. Hell, he's made better films than Indy IV. X-Men 3 sucked, but Fox wouldn't have let _any_ director make a good X-Men 3.
Goddamnit, I thought this was Anchorman 2: More Anchory..... by The Dum Guy	Sep 29th, 2008 12:19:31 AM
But, I guess a blonde haired, musclely, Norse, Man-God, should excite some people...
BRIAN BLESSED by I am the most horrible	Sep 29th, 2008 12:20:41 AM
as the fat guy in the warriors three...Brian Blessed as any citizen of Asgard, really. I would bet money he's in it somehow.
Why not the Ultimates Thor? by Bill Clay	Sep 29th, 2008 12:25:44 AM
After all, Iron Man gave us the Ultimates Nick Fury.
Oh there's NO DOUBT Brian Blessed will be Odin by ShiftyEyedDog2	Sep 29th, 2008 12:28:12 AM
...or at the very least, he'll definitely be in there somewhere.
VERY intrigued by waggy	Sep 29th, 2008 12:31:00 AM
totally left field choice here, but one that could make a very interesting film. i've always preferred the Asgard stuff and found Thor's adventures on Earth to be less interesting, but that does leave one wondering how they will make Thor's appearance in the Avengers movie seem logical when most people will only know him in a fantasy setting.
I'm in shock by flickchick85	Sep 29th, 2008 12:31:44 AM
There's no way in a million years I would've thought Branagh would even CONSIDER directing something like this, so yes, awesome news. But I do worry about his record with visual effects. He IS an amazing director, but he's certainly not without his missteps. Still, I consider his Hamlet to be THE Hamlet - the guy knows how to tell an epic story - so that definitely overpowers my doubts for now.
BTW, concerning the SHIELD crossovers... by Bill Clay	Sep 29th, 2008 12:31:55 AM
Do you think the general movie going public is picking up on the tie-ins at the end of the current Marvel movies, or is it just us comic book geeks noticing the crossovers?
Why not the Ultimates Thor? by Lord John Whorfin	Sep 29th, 2008 12:32:14 AM
Because the Ultimates Thor sucks a fat one.
too bad Matthew Vaughn left by pipergates	Sep 29th, 2008 12:32:28 AM
he seems more in touch with action and adventure, Branagh seems more risky, too highbrow. But it could turn out amazing too. Frankestein was certainly not all bad.
ShiftyEyedDog2... by BiggusDickus	Sep 29th, 2008 12:35:16 AM
Perfect casting, sir! Brian Blessed as the King of the Gods! There can be no other candidate, surely?
Vikings and Werewolfs by pipergates	Sep 29th, 2008 12:35:46 AM
There's an interesting looking new comic called The Wolves of Odin: http://grantgould.com/ vikings-vs-werewolves
Mads Mikkelsen? Close. Try Nikolaj Coster-Waldau. by flickchick85	Sep 29th, 2008 12:38:19 AM
Mikkelsen's Vildspor co-star seems tailor-made to be Thor. Though he's currently the lead in Ron Moore's new show, so if that succeeds, he probably wouldn't have time. Still, look him up. He's got the PERFECT look, and the acting chops from what I've seen.
Holy Fuck... by TiPPiDa	Sep 29th, 2008 12:43:13 AM
Did ANYONE see this coming?! AWESOME NEWS THOUGH.
Dr. Frankenstein Perfect?!!! by CellarDweller	Sep 29th, 2008 12:46:32 AM
He runs hot and cold as a director and an actor. Stick to the roots of the character and don't try to modernize Thor too much and we'll be in decent shape. Just PLEASE don't cast DeNinro (or Pacino for that matter,) in this movie, especially as the title character or Odin.
Thor? by Merkin Muffley	Sep 29th, 2008 12:47:30 AM
I can barely thit down!
Kenneth Branaugh? COOL!!! :D by TheGhostWhoLurks	Sep 29th, 2008 12:54:00 AM
That guy's pretty dang awesome... I'd LOVE to see him take on the old Norse gods of THOR! He's got tons of talent... can direct, write, act and doesn't have anything else on his plate, to my knowledge. Let 'im at 'em! Maybe he can talk his ex into playing Hela, Queen of the Underworld...
The Rainbow Bridge is real. by thebearovingian	Sep 29th, 2008 12:57:55 AM
Lois and Clark were there.
No modern world? BUT... by The Rabbit Of Carrot Shaped Doom	Sep 29th, 2008 12:58:11 AM
...how will he take part in the upcoming AVENGERS movie?
Which ex? Helena. by TheGhostWhoLurks	Sep 29th, 2008 01:00:29 AM
It'd cool if they got Tilda Swinton to play Loki, as well. She's evilly delicious... >:)
YES! NICE CHOICE. by DrPain	Sep 29th, 2008 01:02:21 AM
Kenneth Branagh is an excellent filmmaker. I can't even begin to imagine what he'll bring to this film.
FLICKCHICK85: by ShiftyEyedDog2	Sep 29th, 2008 01:07:04 AM
I could definitely see Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as Thor. I recognize him from the short-lived "New Amsterdam". I think he could pull it off, but they might want at least a slightly more recognizable name/face to headline the movie.
Nicceee by jedihillis	Sep 29th, 2008 01:18:09 AM
Love Branaugh! I forgot just how awesome that speech is in Henry V
Shifty by flickchick85	Sep 29th, 2008 01:18:17 AM
Yeah, a property like Thor would need a big name in the lead if they want to make money. Unless they went the Superman Returns route and cast a big name as the villain and more recognizable names as supporting roles. If Branagh did go that route, Waldau should be his guy. I didn't care for "New Amsterdam," but I thought he was good in what I saw. Based on script reviews I've read and with Ron Moore in charge, "Virtuality" should be a much better star vehicle for him. If Fox doesn't kill it first, of course.
flickchick85 (p.s.) by ShiftyEyedDog2	Sep 29th, 2008 01:25:20 AM
Good call - The Superman Returns route might be the way to go. After all, they can't have ALL A-list stars for these characters if they plan to be able to get them all in The Avengers!! The cast budget alone would be too much. ...and of COURSE Fox will kill it. That's what they do with shows that have any promise whatsoever.
Nice! by CoursinLarry	Sep 29th, 2008 01:29:33 AM
And here I was thinking that Marvel was going to start playing it safe. I love this shit.
Mel Gibson to direct Captain America by CarmillaVonDoom	Sep 29th, 2008 01:31:24 AM
It would be even cooler if he also played Red Skull imo. ☺
Ian McShane as Odin by CarmillaVonDoom	Sep 29th, 2008 01:32:54 AM
OMFG
Excellent choice!! by Ecto-1	Sep 29th, 2008 01:39:55 AM
Although I really didn't like Protosevich's script for I Am Legend, the fact that Branagh is gonna be directing this has got me really excited. I've always thought that he is a fantastic film maker.
Isn't Brad Pitt signing on for Thor?? by CarmillaVonDoom	Sep 29th, 2008 01:44:58 AM
Thought I heard that one a few weeks ago...
is trhis even marvel? by Kizeesh	Sep 29th, 2008 01:48:51 AM

The Charlton Heston speach is so appropriate by chien_sale	Sep 29th, 2008 01:50:49 AM
Given that he was the inspiration for Kirby's Thor. Jack Kirby's Thor was never this big Viking refridgerator; he was rather slim but tall, pretty graceful like Heston. And like him he lacked humility and was prone to big bloated speachs.
Too true, Shifty. by flickchick85	Sep 29th, 2008 01:51:51 AM
I've been boycotting Fox since the end of Arrested Development. Then I was lured back in by the fact that they had no less than 3 sci-fi pilots in the same TV season that I couldn't ignore (though Fringe was disappointing, I still have high hopes for Dollhouse and Virtuality). The bastards. I don't know why I keep doing this to myself. And good call on the Avengers, too. I hadn't even thought about the star price tag on that one. But yeah, between Thor and Captain America, since Cap's the leader, he's probably the one they'd really need to be an A-lister. Though Thor will certainly be a gamble without one. But I think Thor's just a gamble any way you slice it.
I like the idea by Aeghast	Sep 29th, 2008 01:53:36 AM
Apparently, it's OFFICIAL--anyway, good news. Thor, I don't care about--Thor movie, directed by Branagh, whole different story for me
VIGGO MORTENSEN AS THOR by themanwhojaped	Sep 29th, 2008 01:53:58 AM
You know it to be true
Shia LaBouf IS Thor! by Mike_D	Sep 29th, 2008 01:57:14 AM
mark my words
Variety's mention of Blake by HEADGEEK	Sep 29th, 2008 02:00:39 AM
Was most likely drawn from Fleming looking up THE MIGHTY THOR and reading that was his terrestrial identity - but having read 2 drafts, there is no Donald Blake - and no room for him.
Who cares when AVATAR is fucking our eyeballs in 2009? by Motoko Kusanagi	Sep 29th, 2008 02:05:43 AM
nobody
I Reckon... by Roland_The_Gunslinger	Sep 29th, 2008 02:36:16 AM
Dario Argento or David Lynch as director and James McAvoy as Thor...think about it!
Kevin great actor - but tall enough ? by Miyamoto_Musashi	Sep 29th, 2008 02:44:04 AM
To the Kevin McKidd supporters, agree with you he is a great actor, but thought Thor needs to have a bigger presence. McKidd is 6'0, his partner in crime from Rome, Ray Stevenson (6'4) would be a better choice for me, but looks like his agent went for the money over quality - hence the latest Punisher. The other guy who I had mentioned as decent choice for Cap but also think for Thor is Alexander Skarsgård, also at 6'4 and a great actor (watch Generation Kill, if you havent already).
Harry - where can I get a glimpse of the script ? by Miyamoto_Musashi	Sep 29th, 2008 02:45:21 AM

I'm praying for Brian Blessed for ODIN by HEADGEEK	Sep 29th, 2008 02:53:10 AM
He's been an actor with Branagh since HENRY V, and he's astonishing. As for the script, it isn't online, I don't believe.
Gunter Schlierkamp for THOR!!! He's the next SCHWARZENEGGER! by most excellent ninja	Sep 29th, 2008 02:53:33 AM
Dude is a (lightly) trained actor, but he has the charisma, the accent, the look. The body. He played Thor(the Marvel Thor) in a credit card commercial and has been pursuing the role if one came about, he read comics for the commercial. But what seals it is he has taken training in acting for a while now. So there's my pick.
Carl Urban as THOR by paralyser-pro	Sep 29th, 2008 02:58:20 AM
That's the name most often mentioned I believe, he'd be perfect. Lots of potential LOKI's... Bean, Mikkelson, Branagh himself... how about Michael Sheen, he was awesome as Lucian! ODIN - Max von Sydow
Branagh's FRANKENSTEIN by HEADGEEK	Sep 29th, 2008 03:02:37 AM
is one of the most grotesque cinematic abortions of great material ever shat upon the silver screen. Darabont's script was genius, a perfect adaptation. The final work was a travesty of epic proportions. That said, Kenneth has made HENRY V, DEAD AGAIN & HAMLET - 3 truly great films in my estimation. The maggoty spoiled corpse of Mary Shelly's Frankenstein will always be there in his career, so that is why I say that he must RISE TO THE MATERIAL - as this is grander material than he has ever had before him, the grandest stage that he's ever performed upon - and he must RISE. Because if he falls, he has never fallen from such a precipice as this.
The Right Choice Out of Left Field by Playhouse	Sep 29th, 2008 03:06:35 AM
How stunningly perfect the choice of Brannagh is for this! Sure, his excesses in Frankenstein (not to mention the casting of DeNiro) led to a rather silly and bloated film. But Brannagh's theatricality and sweeping vision might just be the key for the Norse motif of Thor. Tempered with the subtle darkness and keen attention to character he's shown through various films he's directed. This truly makes the movie quite a bit more interesting.
TallBoy66 by The Brains	Sep 29th, 2008 03:24:11 AM
I think Captain America and The Avengers are coming out 2011.
For Thor by Playhouse	Sep 29th, 2008 03:35:15 AM
You need someone in the mold of Vladimir Kulich from The 13th Warrior. http://tinyurl.com/ 3ske26 Mix that with a bit of his co-star Dennis Storhoi. http://tinyurl.com/3vj3f2 < p>Very fitting.
Of the three directors by Shoegeezer	Sep 29th, 2008 03:38:11 AM
linked to this, I'm afraid Ratner would probably do the best job. What a world we live in.
Just to connect this to the "Valkyrie"-discussion... by Wile-E	Sep 29th, 2008 03:45:49 AM
I really hope they give Thor an old-icelandic accent. i wouldn't be able to connect to the character otherwise :-)))
What did folks think of 'Sleuth?" His last outing. by GQtaste	Sep 29th, 2008 03:46:48 AM
I'd like to hear feedback on that one. I"m on the fench on it myself and this is coming from a guy that likes Jude Law as an actor and forget about Cain. He's a fucking legend and that goes w/o saying.
I realize that Sleuth was simply a three act play by GQtaste	Sep 29th, 2008 03:49:02 AM
for purpose sake but still.
DerLang... by TheRealMoriarty	Sep 29th, 2008 03:56:00 AM
... your mouth, God's ear, man.
Sounds like a big camp funfest! by FILMFUNK	Sep 29th, 2008 04:18:58 AM
Frankenstein looked amazing! It had a great cast and i thought the de-niro make-up was excellent it was just too melodramtic or shakespeary when it should have Hammer Horror! the bits with Branagh nekid and sweaty pushing his machine around were wrong as were John Cleeses Teeth! This might be a big gay match made in heaven though!
rise to the challenge? cause thor is more difficult than hamlet by zapano	Sep 29th, 2008 04:32:14 AM
frankenstein is not that bad. it's a bit manic and poorly paced, but definitely watchable. for the first time i'm actually looking forward to thor
Karl Urban? by Spartacus Hughs	Sep 29th, 2008 05:14:26 AM
Ron Perlman?
and Manowar by Epleterte	Sep 29th, 2008 05:46:12 AM
for the soundtrack! haha, that'd be awesome!
holy shit, Dr. Loveless is directing Thor? by The Amazing G	Sep 29th, 2008 05:46:16 AM
will he show up to the set in a giant steampunk spider? will he have hot chicks in old west lingerie as his henchmen?
wow by Die_Hardest	Sep 29th, 2008 05:47:03 AM
If only Marvel had been so kind to the Fantastic Four.
this is one of the best directors casting... EVER by cifra	Sep 29th, 2008 05:48:56 AM
A pure stroke of genius. The only way Thor's universe can be really deemed as believable is probably as a Shakesperian tale, and given Sir Lawrence Olivier is dead, no one better than Brannagh to give him to life. Brannagh will surely attract many A-list actors interested in playing Loki, Odin (Sir Anthony Hopkins?) and the Enchantress (lol, Angelina Jolie? can we dream of that?). Now if only Marvel can get its properties back from Fox (specially Fantastic Four), my dreams would be complete.
NICE by Evil Chicken	Sep 29th, 2008 05:54:05 AM
Now there's news that makes my geek heart smile. This can't happen soon enough. Brilliant.
Frankinstein was Shite by D o o d	Sep 29th, 2008 05:55:36 AM
but I do like Branagh. Maybe he'll be less snobby and more true to the comic.
It wont be the girly-Ang-Lee-like bad decision by quantize	Sep 29th, 2008 06:08:35 AM
....fact.
Die_Hardest by raw_bean	Sep 29th, 2008 06:18:46 AM
20th Century Fox can take the heat for the FF movies: the only movies Marvel themselves have made so far are Iron Man and the Incredible Hulk, so I say they've got nothing to apologise for except taking so long to become a film studio.
The Thor/Hulk tv movie sucked. by Grammaton Cleric Binks	Sep 29th, 2008 06:18:56 AM
Thor was some overgrown biker wannabee with a toy hammer.
TAKE IT BACK, BRAD by the new transported man	Sep 29th, 2008 06:30:28 AM
TAKE BACK WHAT YOU SAID ABOUT THOR
I want Brendan Gleason/Nick Nolte as Odin. by Mr Nicholas	Sep 29th, 2008 06:30:38 AM
Ken's an interesting choice for director. I can see why they picked him. We are talking something quite Shakespearian and dramatic. Can he handle action and effects though?
Lots of Thought by McFlyWalker	Sep 29th, 2008 06:32:29 AM
Looks like Marvel are really taking their material seriously & trying to get the best team for he project at hand. In Iron Man, they needed a director who's done the playboy scene....step forward Favreau(SWINGERS) & an actor who understands wasting talent, substance abuse(later) & resposibillity....step forward Downey JR. In Hulk, they were looking for the light & the dark that is in all of us....&from a limited pool, plucked Ed Norton. In Thor, I think they'll be going for Shakespearian feel of grandeur, which can be the only reason for Brannagh. Now hopefully they'll look to try & get back their "lost" properties and do them right!
Whoever said Sean Bean for Thor, I agree. by CreasyBear	Sep 29th, 2008 06:33:45 AM
After seeing him as Boromir, it seems a good fit. Problem is, he's not a recognizable star outside of geekdom. I read one of you mentioning Brad Pitt, which could work, but I think Pitt had one BIG-SUMMER-ACTION-MOVIE in him -- Troy -- and now he's probably over the entire genre. (Even though in Troy, he WAS Thor.) A lot of the names being mentioned are complete nobodies to the average moviegoer, the casting of which would make the movie seem small. Yeah, I know 300 sidestepped this star problem b/c of the interest people had in the unique visuals of that movie, but Thor's producers are surely looking for the type of star that might show up on the cover of People magazine. Some of your casting ideas could be great, but they'd never fly.
Matthew Vaughn = Perfect by WolfmanNards	Sep 29th, 2008 06:48:47 AM
Why no Vaughn?
Depp as Thor! Crowd goes wild!! OK, DONE!!! by I_am_not_the_droid_you_are_looki ng_for	Sep 29th, 2008 06:53:45 AM
My interest in a Thor movie has now gone from 0% to 10%.
I'm learning not to worry. by nerosday	Sep 29th, 2008 06:55:11 AM
I love Marvel’s unusual taste in directors. People were worried at first about Jon Favreau and his lack of big summer tent pole experience, and we all saw the great ride Iron Man turned out to be. There was some concern over Downey Jr’s casting at first, I remember. But, again now I can't see anyone else as Tony. Louis Leterrier pulled off a more fun(sorta) Hulk, or a least one with far less introspective stares at lichen , though Connelly's hottness was sorely missed . I am really beginning to trust Marvel with their picks for talent. I hear nothing but good things about the Thor script and introing Thor in Asgard sounds like a great segway into his fall to the mortal plane before Avengers, giving the audience a great way to rationalize why there is a fucking Norse thunder god on the team. Though part of me is just a little sad they didn’t use the Millar’s Ultimates route and just have everyone think he was insane until the big reveal that no, he really IS a god in Ult 2. That could have been played for great levity in the Avengers flicks, but what the hell do I know? Marvel is doing great so far; so if they think Kenneth Branagh’s got the goods I’ll go with that. I wish him luck; especially with having to deal with all of us breathing down his neck for the next… what two years?... poor bastard.
Letteriers Hulk was shite... by I_am_not_the_droid_you_are_looki ng_for	Sep 29th, 2008 06:57:37 AM
I'd rather watch Lee's Hulk than Letteriers any day. Even if lee's went off the deep end 3/4 the way in, at least it tried to do something with the character on than having him go Full Retard. HULK... SMASH!!!!
I agree Droid Lee's was a better film atristicly... by nerosday	Sep 29th, 2008 07:02:22 AM
He just got lost in subtlety... The Hulk films need to find a balance between long introspection and repressed emotions and HULK SMASH!!! They're not there yet.
A second reboot though would be ridiculous by nerosday	Sep 29th, 2008 07:04:50 AM
At this point they just have to rework the shite as it is.
can harry be volstag? danny trejo be hogun? branagh wants fandra by JRKerr	Sep 29th, 2008 07:10:29 AM
struth
branagh wants to be fandrall the dashing by JRKerr	Sep 29th, 2008 07:11:10 AM

Agreed. But if they ever try to give Hulk another try (or a sequ by I_am_not_the_droid_you_are_looki ng_for	Sep 29th, 2008 07:19:25 AM
I'd suggest giving it to Andrew Stanton. If you've seen Wall-E, you've seen how an (almost) silent character can be realised into an individual, complete personality. Plus, quiet simply, the guy just makes great movies. How Leterrier got the gig just baffles me.
Alan Cumming would make a great Loki by Grammaton Cleric Binks	Sep 29th, 2008 07:21:44 AM
and since he did X-Men in full makeup it's not like there would be a lot of comparisons made. Yes, Bean would make a great Thor. Urban would too, but as he's done LOTR and Pathfinder it's probably time for him to seek out other roles so he doesn't get pegged just for those. Clancy Brown's been done. Viking from Bad Boys as a viking in Pathfinder.
Donofrio by Grammaton Cleric Binks	Sep 29th, 2008 07:23:39 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v =7rnTpR4M1ZI&feature=related
Alan Cumming==LOKI? by McFlyWalker	Sep 29th, 2008 07:27:52 AM
Hasn't Alan caumming alrady portayed the mischievious one in the Mask sequal??
Oh, that's right. I forgot. I didn't see that turd by Grammaton Cleric Binks	Sep 29th, 2008 07:29:53 AM
of a movie but now that you mention it, you are correct it was him. So Mask 2 sucked, but if they're trying to do a serious Thor movie, I think Cumming could redeem himself. Under all that makeup he was great in X2.
Richard Briars will be in there somewhere by JIMBOCOP	Sep 29th, 2008 07:30:46 AM
and Rufus Sewell too (he'd make a great Loki. That is all.
Overcompensation Droid, Overcompensation. by nerosday	Sep 29th, 2008 07:31:47 AM
Lee’s way was bitched about as too art house… and didn’t get the expected bank…so Marvel, I guess, overcompensated and went full ‘tard smash… hence frenchy action boogie...And Marvel wanted bank, but still didn't get it. And yes saw Wall-E and completely agree with the way the character should emote. Stanton could do wonders if there is a third flick.
Who's Going To Play Thor? by RosebudsTheSled	Sep 29th, 2008 07:35:58 AM
It better not be Branagh himself- and he better not direct that thing like its a Shakespearean Stage Play- I just don't want to see it all Hammy...in so many ways that word works, because Kenneth has indeed put on a few pounds lately.
I'd like to see Branagh in this, but not as Thor by Grammaton Cleric Binks	Sep 29th, 2008 07:38:20 AM
Not only is he a great actor and director, but he is one of the few, like Clint and Mel, who can do both at the same time.
I'd love to see Branagh go Shakespearian in casting by nerosday	Sep 29th, 2008 07:39:40 AM
Load it up with really great Shakespearian actors in supporting roles to pull off these Gods and monsters. Bring their A game, and they could really make Thor a thing to remember. If he were still around I'd have loved to have seen Oliver Reed as Odin... I miss that man.
Might make for a great comtrast too by nerosday	Sep 29th, 2008 07:48:47 AM
See Asgard first, bigger than life, Shakespearianly grand in its verbage and swagger, and then when Thor is confronted with the "real" world in Avengers, you can completely get the disjointedness of his situation. Super heroism would be the only thing close to his old daily life that Midgard could offer, he’d jump at the chance to be in the game, join the team, how ever the hell they’re going to pull it together.
contrast...sorry by nerosday	Sep 29th, 2008 07:49:14 AM

The Warriors Three by BukaHobbit	Sep 29th, 2008 07:49:23 AM
Brendan Gleeson as Vlostagg the Voluminous. Goran Visnjic as Hogun the Grim and Cary Elwes as Fandral the Dashing.
I wonder about you sometimes, Harry by Lost Jarv	Sep 29th, 2008 07:50:03 AM
"grandest material"- Grander than Hamlet, Much Ado About Nothing (his best), Henry V etc by Shakespeare? You don't get Grander than Shakespeare.
But Protosevich is a shit writer... by m_prevette	Sep 29th, 2008 08:02:33 AM
His I Am Legend, although revered in LaLaLand, is crap. It's easy to find online and read...man it was a stinker. So let's see all the changes he makes to Thor.
Vaughn to Branaugh?! That's a Really Terrible Idea by cowboyone	Sep 29th, 2008 08:04:27 AM
The property itself is DATED and corny to begin with ... and then they hand it off to an aging Shakespeare nut? How the F do you go from Matthew Vaughn (awesome VISUAL director) to Kenneth Branaugh?
To avoid hokeyness... by Kid Z	Sep 29th, 2008 08:06:54 AM
...just have Thor speak in Norse with subtitles. Everyone'll be like "What is he speaking, German?" as a running gag. Of course later we uses an enchantment via Mjolnir to learn modern English and we forget all about the Norse and we never even go near all the "methinks" and "forsooths" that Stan Lee had him spouting.
You're wrong by ajbopp	Sep 29th, 2008 08:09:32 AM
I don't know what Harry's read or thinks he's read, but Donald Blake will be in this movie. Marvel Studios is doing this, not Fox. Marvel knows not to try to set something this big in "Tales of Asgard" world. Ugh.
We should demand Beta Ray Bill in the last by Grammaton Cleric Binks	Sep 29th, 2008 08:11:42 AM
five minutes to set up for the sequel. Bill made Thor his bitch in the comics, before they became friends.
Cowboy I think they realized... by nerosday	Sep 29th, 2008 08:15:46 AM
The visuals are going to be easy given the material, but getting people to believe that there is a Norse God of Thunder and he now walks among us as a superhero was going to need character development and acting just to make it believable at all. And I in no way think Vaughn couldn't have done just that, I think he'd have great; I just hope their not overcompinsating again. I mean when you think about it, its easier to buy the idea of a real superman than a real Thor. Of all the Avengers, Thor is going to be the hardest to sell to the general movie going public.We'll just have to see.
Mark Valley has been cast as Thor!!! by Leafar the Lost	Sep 29th, 2008 08:21:10 AM
Actually no, but I think that Kenneth Branagh as the director is a bad choice. Mark Singer or Sam Raimi would have been better. Thor ain't Shakespear. The Hamlet movie he did was too long and too boring. Thor is about him kicking someone's ass. The fact that he is a Norse god is just the background. Branagh will actually give Thor pages of lines to speak, when I just want him to hit a giant with his hammer. This will suck. Better luck with Iron Man II.
That scene from The Incredible Hulk was so wretchedly awful, I c by Curious Jorge	Sep 29th, 2008 08:24:32 AM

hey fucko by floatybrownthing	Sep 29th, 2008 08:25:33 AM
it's heimdal
Leafar the Lost by dr sauch	Sep 29th, 2008 08:27:49 AM
Yeah, thats right. Superhero movies should just "kick ass", and not have "annoying pages of dialogue" like that dumb Hamlet. How about you put down the Mountain Dew and read a book you silly fat fuck.
Thank Christ! by HoboCode	Sep 29th, 2008 08:30:11 AM
I was prepared for Anchorman 2. Please let that NEVER happen. Movie sucked ass.
What's Wrong with Frankenstein? by Sith Witch	Sep 29th, 2008 08:34:40 AM
NOTHING! Perfectly flawless adaptation of the novel, replete with all the melodrama the novel spills forth.
I liked Family Man by Stormshadow4life	Sep 29th, 2008 08:40:21 AM
so sue me
Is this THOR thor?...or just the shitty comic book.... by FlickaPoo	Sep 29th, 2008 08:49:55 AM
...superhero Thor? Because Norse mythology Thor could be mighty indeed...shiny suit wing helmeted comic book Thor would be very homosexual.
FlickaPoo, a little of both by nerosday	Sep 29th, 2008 08:54:34 AM
Thor the movie is going to be about Thor in Asgar before his banishment to the Marvel U. So you'll get the Norse Pantheon and a two hour flick that will be like a comic/Norse mythology amalgamation that'll then lead to the purely Marvel Superhero as this Thor will become in Avengers. Kind of an odd idea, but at least its inventive.
Re: The greatest material ever before him.... by Kizeesh	Sep 29th, 2008 08:54:58 AM
What a load of shite Harry, Branagh is one of the most inventive and intelligent minds in modern theatre, and had this been a piece of wagnerian norse mythology then I'd consider lauding some praise, but Thor the comic, by far one of the least interesting and most hyperbolically dull characters ever, is not the greatest material Uwe Boll has had in front of him let alone Branagh who has Shelley and Shakespeare already under his belt. Also I liked Frankenstein, it wasn't amazing but it certainly wasn't the shitheap you make out. That said you liked Daredevil didn't you...
But Kizeesh by nerosday	Sep 29th, 2008 08:57:54 AM
Maybe in hor could be molded into something you'd like give it a chance.
what the hell? by nerosday	Sep 29th, 2008 08:59:28 AM
maybe Thor in Branagh's hands could be turned into something you'd like given half a chance? You never know.
Leafar... by 7pointedstar	Sep 29th, 2008 09:04:16 AM
Mark Singer? The Beastmaster?
Gary Busey by quicksilver80	Sep 29th, 2008 09:04:42 AM
as Thor....you know you want it
Fred likes the idea of an Asgard based Thor by Freds_Balls_in_a_Mason_Jar	Sep 29th, 2008 09:08:39 AM
It eliminates the whole 'Demi-God in a modern setting' problem that Marvel was going to have marketing a Thor movie, and it also allows for a greater fantasy element. Fred not too sure about Kenneth Branaugh, but what the heck?
michael Peña? by Spartacus Hughs	Sep 29th, 2008 09:09:33 AM
Could work.
Whoever mentioned Alexander Skarsgård by MRJONZ72	Sep 29th, 2008 09:13:55 AM
I'm kinda digging that..I find it interesting at least..liked him in Generation Kill..I have True Blood recorded but havent watched it yet.
Thor should be played by by Abominable Snowcone	Sep 29th, 2008 09:28:00 AM
Skwisgar Skwisgelf, and Loki should be played by Toki Wartooth. WoWEEE!
Congratulations Leafar the Lost!!!! by I_am_not_the_droid_you_are_looki ng_for	Sep 29th, 2008 09:29:19 AM
It's takes balls to put yourself out there and go Full Retard. Well done mate, your comment "The Hamlet movie he did was too long and too boring." has to be the most idiotic thing I've ever read on this site. I've seen Rob Schneider movies smarter than you!
Interesting by JDanielP	Sep 29th, 2008 09:35:08 AM
This will be a great wait and see.
Aw C'mon Snowcone... by nerosday	Sep 29th, 2008 09:35:09 AM
Nathan Explosion with a dye job and a voice coach... fucking awsome.
The ROCK is THOR!!! by adiehardfanwithalethalweapon	Sep 29th, 2008 09:38:32 AM
Ack! Sounded funny at the time!
Warwick Davis as the Hammer by just pillow talk	Sep 29th, 2008 09:43:23 AM

Droid, nothing and I mean NOTHING... by nerosday	Sep 29th, 2008 09:45:51 AM
will ever fill the utter vapidity of one minute of Duce Bigalo 2. Mankind earned its extinction at the hands of genetically engineered field mice the minute that smoking pile was green lit and assured our place (as a species) in the ninth level of hell itself because even one person paid to see it in a theater. We are all damned. As silly as Leafar came off... nothing, and no one, shall ever surpass the mental black hole that is Rob Schneider's filmography.
Triple H is Thor by RayVinyard	Sep 29th, 2008 09:45:56 AM
At least he looks like Thor. And he had that Sledgehammer-thing going in the ring.
Marvel compared to Pixar by CloakAndZipper	Sep 29th, 2008 09:49:19 AM
I wonder how much leeway / freedom directors get on these Marvel projects. I can't image too much, I think Marvel watches their every move. Pixar manages to put out one good movie after another, like they've found some kind of filmmaking-by-committee formula that actually works. Gone are the days when a director walks in and makes 'his' vision of a Marvel character.
Droid, I'm a nice guy... by nerosday	Sep 29th, 2008 09:50:10 AM
I can't go after folks. But you have my permission to ream Ray for wanting to cast a fucking wrestler as Thor in a film by Kenneth Branagh... I won't even attempt to stick up for him... please do what I cannot!!!
Thor Casting - Jouko Ahola The Best Choice by ScottinDC	Sep 29th, 2008 09:52:05 AM
Kevin McKidd has been the big rumor for some time but I'm betting against it; not a bad pick (he has the acting chops) but it's hard to see him carrying the right frame for it. However, he is MILES better as a pick than Bradd Pitt - who would merely be recreating his Achilles character from Troy (a terrible film by all reckoning although he was fine). But I am betting it's going to be Jouko Ahola of Finland...you may remember him as the huge German knight who got an arrow in the throat in Kingdom of Heaven. He's got size, acting ability and looks the part.
No I kid. by nerosday	Sep 29th, 2008 09:54:21 AM
But seriously Ray... Triple H? Did you see Blade 3? And if so, why? I had to ask myself that one too. My God man.
VERY INTRIGUED by shatnerd	Sep 29th, 2008 10:11:41 AM
by this news!! It has the potential to be something both really effective and strikingly different in the world of superhero movies. Someone earlier suggested Viggo Mortenson as Thor. I think that's a horrible idea, but I must confess I would be fascinated to see what an unhinged Viggo might do as Loki! hmmmmmmm....
You're a better person than i, Nero... by I_am_not_the_droid_you_are_looki ng_for	Sep 29th, 2008 10:16:01 AM
and you make a convincing argument re: deuce 2. I don't watch wrestling so i have no idea who Triple H is... That being said, casting a wrestler in anything is usually a terrible idea.
Great Odins Raven! by liljuniorbrown	Sep 29th, 2008 10:16:19 AM
I was thinking Anchorman myself. I know it has it's haters around but I think there was flashes of comic genius all through out that film. Anyways, sounds like Thor could be like a mini LOTR if done correctly.
Dioxholster by Johnny Smith	Sep 29th, 2008 10:16:52 AM
Most appropriate. Stargate reference. Ever.
Dioxholster by Johnny Smith	Sep 29th, 2008 10:16:57 AM
Most appropriate. Stargate reference. Ever.
Branagh's Got The Mad Skillz At... by dannyocean	Sep 29th, 2008 10:23:10 AM
...epic filmmaking on a budget sure... both Henry V and Hamlet show that, but I think something overlooked is his casting choices. He tends to use a mix of favorite Brits (Derek Jacobi, Richard Briers), favorite comedic Brits (John Cleese, Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie) and odd Hollywood types (Charlton Heston, Robin Williams, Jack Lemmon, Denzel Washington, Alicia Silverstone, Nathan Lane, Michael Keaton)... the casting of this film will be one I look forward to greatly.
Sven Ole Thorsen by Clavius	Sep 29th, 2008 10:25:46 AM
NEEDS to be in this movie in some capacity. Maybe even as Odin himself!...For fuck's sake, his name has the word THOR in it!! Make it happen! Oh yeah, and three words... FIN....FANG....FOOM!..Big ass dragon, Kirby style!
If you don't know who Sven Ole Thorsen is.. by Clavius	Sep 29th, 2008 10:29:26 AM
Then you haven't seen Conan the Barbarian and I don't wish to know you.
Oh Fuck off with the RAT ner shite Harry by Samson_K	Sep 29th, 2008 10:47:36 AM
Go back and reread your own review of X-Men: The Last Stand and stop pandermongering This is not me standing up or dismissing Ratner - I just don't see a point to all the abject, mob culture hate of someone mediocre. And Frankenstein was far from a cinematic abortion!
No one can pull off a faux Lee/Shakespearean accent like The Sha by toadkillerdog	Sep 29th, 2008 11:05:23 AM
Yes, William Shatner as Thor!
I was just watching the kiddie Next Avengers... by FlickaPoo	Sep 29th, 2008 11:05:40 AM
...movie and was having a conversation about how Thor the Marvel character was always such a huge disappointment and let down considering the mindbending gritty frozen coolness that is the Norse source material..... I'll give this a chance...I hope they give us something better than Aquaman with a winged metal mixing bowl on his head.
The Shat as Thor! by toadkillerdog	Sep 29th, 2008 11:06:04 AM
William Shatner!
Brannagh? I'm down with it by Darth_Tarantino	Sep 29th, 2008 11:11:52 AM
That's an inspired choice. I can't wait to see what Ken delivers.
by the power of my utterly rediculous concept by ArcadianDS	Sep 29th, 2008 11:18:42 AM
this will make one fantastically stupid movie. Thor didn't even make sense in the comic-book lexicon. He's a demigod.
Wouldn't really be interested if Kenneth Branagh... by FlickaPoo	Sep 29th, 2008 11:21:39 AM
...weren't involved....sort of can't wait to see what he does with this though...
about Branagh's FRANKENSTEIN by Argentino	Sep 29th, 2008 11:46:10 AM
It wasn't nearly as good as it could have been, if you've read the book you can't arue that it was way more faithfull than the classic Karloff version. Of course Branagh's version is totaly forgetable in comparision, but it's more way faithfull to Shelley's story, at least the fisrt two acts. Anyway, speaking of respect to the source material, how respecfull is "The Mighty Thor (comic)" to its root material (norse mithology)? Not very, isn't it?
zzzzzzzz... by HoboCode	Sep 29th, 2008 11:52:11 AM
People are actually excited by a Thor movie? He's a scantily-clad, musclebound, long blonde-haired religous figure with a hammer.
I vote Viggo for Thor, Cummings for Loki by BenBraddock	Sep 29th, 2008 12:00:14 PM
Keep the cast North European. And yeah, Frankenstein was horrible. The design was uninspired and De Niro - what a colossal mistake. Laughable. Henry V was really good though.
KEVIN McKIDD for THOR!!! by MetalMickey	Sep 29th, 2008 12:01:12 PM
Wow. Branaugh. That's inspired. Henry V & Hamlet are fuckin grand. Viggo's a good second choice for THOR...but who're we McKidding. Give the role to the Scot.
WT?! April Fools? by Raymar	Sep 29th, 2008 12:06:21 PM
So awesome if true but I can't really believe it...
and also put me on the list for a McKidd supporter as well. by MRJONZ72	Sep 29th, 2008 12:12:18 PM

I'm REALLY curious by DoctorWho?	Sep 29th, 2008 12:15:16 PM
...as to how this is going to be blended into the realistic tone of Hulk and Iron Man they've deleloped so far. And yes dammit...Shatner as Thor is too unbelievablly cool to contemplate.
BRIAN BLESSED for ODIN!!! by MetalMickey	Sep 29th, 2008 12:27:55 PM
He's still alive! MAX VON SYDOW 2nd choice!
Branagh is terrible by Bass Bastardson	Sep 29th, 2008 12:32:01 PM
The only good movie he's ever donw was Henry V. Everything else has been SHIT.
Malkovich for Loki by T 1000 xp professional	Sep 29th, 2008 12:34:53 PM
do it John...amazing news by the way
Jonathan Rhys Meyers for LOKI!!! by MetalMickey	Sep 29th, 2008 12:37:03 PM
Anyone agree?
WOOOOOOOOOOO... HOOOOOOOOO! by Stereotypical Evil Archer	Sep 29th, 2008 12:44:01 PM
Ain't it cool? Yes. Yes, it is.
Alexander Skarsgard as THOR!! by buffywrestling	Sep 29th, 2008 12:51:55 PM
I love that tall, blonde swede. He was in HBO's Generation ill and is now in True Blood. Wearing a Thor wig.
Lost Cimmerian: "Iron Man was perfect!" by Playkins	Sep 29th, 2008 12:52:06 PM
Says you. Iron Man was a decent and uninventive first and second act with a PATHETIC third act. Not to mention, there were only three scenes with the MkII/III that were each about 10 minutes long. We barely got to see Stark BEING Iron Man. I enjoyed X3 more than Iron Man.
brad pitt as thor by brandon11	Sep 29th, 2008 01:19:14 PM
i originally heard that he would be playing thor. was not happy at firstbut then i pictured him as achilles with a beard and it started to grow on me. that AND Matt Damon as Captain America. that line-up would be epic. norton, downey jr, pitt, and damon...think about it, world. get back to me.
thor and the gang by Dollar Bird	Sep 29th, 2008 01:20:22 PM
I was thinking of how Vincent D'Nofrio was "Thor" in "Adventures in Babysitting", and thought about how it was too bad his heart pills have made him a bit thicker. Then I thought, What if he let his beard go and wore a patch and played Odin. I like that a lot, but probably because I have a man-crush on Vince. I can see how going with Branagh might work. He's good with making ye olde-ish English sound natural, so if Thor's still using all of the thous and thines, that could be fun. And, of course, Willem Defoe for Loki, because we geeks haven't had enough of him as a Marvel villain.
Lost Cimmerian by odo19	Sep 29th, 2008 01:26:08 PM
Good first act........and then everything was mediocre. So no, not perfect.
AL PACINO as THOR! by Darth Busey	Sep 29th, 2008 01:28:25 PM
Methinks if I wereth the man I was five years ago hence, I would take thine FLAMETHROWER to thee place! HOOOOOOOOO-AHHHHHHHHH.
I have no fucking interest in this at all. by DANNYGLOVERS_DICKBLOOD	Sep 29th, 2008 01:52:57 PM

Im glad you said that Danny by samurai sark	Sep 29th, 2008 02:24:25 PM
I was all worried if you cared or not. Now I know!
Hamlet was AMAZING by kwisatzhaderach	Sep 29th, 2008 02:26:03 PM

Branagh will cast himself as Odin by samurai sark	Sep 29th, 2008 02:27:29 PM
I swear by Odin's Beard.
Best. Henry. V. Ever. by Le Vicious Fishus	Sep 29th, 2008 02:32:19 PM
Great god he was amazing in that role. Inspired and inspiring.
all filmmakers are allowed a turkey, so by crankyoldguy	Sep 29th, 2008 02:36:09 PM
Frankenstein was it for Branagh, but his Shakespeare films were superb. The casting speculation ranges from the plain silly-on-purpose to some bad ideas (I like Pitt in other films, but not to Thor and 'Troy' was terrible). The only other director for this would be...Peter Jackson, of course.
The mythological aspect by Ned Pepper	Sep 29th, 2008 02:36:38 PM
As a kid I loved reading Norse myths and legends. So from that standpoint, I dig the idea of a Shakespearean actor/director taking on this material. I was never really a fan of the Thor comics. The whole Donald Blake identity was contrived and silly, (even to an eight-year old) and its omission from this script makes this project even more appealing. The Norse tales were fascinating because their gods were not immortals and they knew it. They were just as fallible as their worshippers, and they knew their end (Ragnarok) was approaching. Beautiful, rich stuff, and a goldmine for a talented director with a quality script. It's almost too bad they're eventually going to turn it back into just another superhero movie. Anyway, my friends who have met Mr. Branagh tell me he is a nice guy and a real gentleman, so good luck to him (and Marvel) with Thor.
Fuck yes Brian Blessed is ODIN!!!! by picardsucks	Sep 29th, 2008 02:52:03 PM
Saw him in a pretty cool Chrisopher Lambert inquisition film from a year ago or so. Still looks the same and still has that booming voice. MUST BE BRIAN BLESSED!!! I think Bran directed him years ago in Midsummers Night Dream so he has to have Brian's number!!! Now Please no steroid enhanced TMZ hollywood jerkoff for Thor. I say they cast an honest to god big ass Norwegan. Or if we have to have a hollywood douche then at least let's get Roland "Arnold clone only much taller" Kickinger
I never followed Thor... by LarryTate	Sep 29th, 2008 03:12:13 PM
will this movie be based in God-land or on Earth? Or both? What are Thor's weaknesses?
besides grammar by LarryTate	Sep 29th, 2008 03:15:44 PM

The title is misleading as all get out. by kinetickoala	Sep 29th, 2008 03:28:13 PM
Fuck that shit! I thought you had news about another Anchorman.
Remember Brad Pitt in Troy? by Raymar	Sep 29th, 2008 03:29:49 PM
Thor right there.
2nd Video reminds me of Invincible by Animation	Sep 29th, 2008 03:31:06 PM
That second video of Thor reminds me of the Invincible animated series. It is just a bunch of comic book panels or still drawings with pan and scan + bad voice acting. Ugh. Anyway, I dont really want a fantasy epic as a Thor movie. I want it modern. Hmm.
L.tate by Phategod2	Sep 29th, 2008 03:52:15 PM
Try wikipedia for all your Thor (comibook) info needs.
My pick is Gerard by Phategod2	Sep 29th, 2008 03:53:30 PM
Butler I think he's the most logical choice
INVINCIBLE made me vomit by brokenheadstuff	Sep 29th, 2008 03:58:23 PM
because of all the stupid shaking. and the ridiculous ratio of money paid to length of the episode. AND ALL THE FUCKING SAHAHAHAHHAAAAAKKAKAKKAKAKKINN NGNGNGNGGGGG
re Invincible by Animation	Sep 29th, 2008 04:07:09 PM
Yeah, I loved the comic, so when I saw there was an animated version, I was stoked. When I saw it and realized it was just a direct visual lift of the existing panels with shake-pan-scan-cam and bad voice acting (mostly) I was horrified. Bah! I still want a REAL animated Invincible (or Astro City or Noble Causes or Powers).
HELL YES! by JudgeDredd	Sep 29th, 2008 04:07:13 PM
Brian Blessed would make a brilliant Odin. There can be no other choice. And Branagh himself would make a fantastic Loki! If you don't believe me, just check him out as Iago in "Othello" alongside Lawrence Fishburne.
Holy shit!!??!!! by TheWaqman	Sep 29th, 2008 04:51:38 PM
I LOVE Kenneth Branagh. I'm fairly confident he can handle it. I'm not a Marvel fan, but still I'll watch it now for sure!
P.S. Iron Man is formulaic garbage.... by TheWaqman	Sep 29th, 2008 04:54:22 PM
uninspired, unoriginal and decent comic book movie. Held only by the weight of Robert Downey Jr's personality. Those thinking it was better than The Dark Knight were fooling themselves. And I'm fairly sure Thor will be better too now with Branagh directing it.
Branagh's involvement makes me LESS interested by Mullah Omar	Sep 29th, 2008 05:02:58 PM
I fucking hate Kenneth Branagh. I don't throw the word "hack" around very freely, but Branagh is definitely a hack.
Jude Law for Loki? by Drath	Sep 29th, 2008 05:27:00 PM
Last thing I remember from Brannagh was the Sleuth Remake, and that was....different. Didn't quite rise to the occasion in my mind, but it wasn't horrendous. Biggest thing I liked was how evil Law seemed in the "big reveal" scene. He resembled a young Terrence Stamp, and I'd be happy to see him play a good villain in a big SFX tent pole, particularly if he gets to be an evil god....but hey, casting is the fun part and that's probably a ways away. Hell YES to Brian Blessed!!!! But also Derek Jacobi would be fun too. Not quite as right as Blessed, but still awesome stuff. Can't say that Marvel's Thor is mighter material than Hamlet though, that's just stupid. The challenge is making it more than pulpy silly shit.
Im glad Ratner isn't doing it. by samurai sark	Sep 29th, 2008 05:27:03 PM
Forsooth, I demand JUDE LAW (or Paul Bettany) for LOKI. I demand KENNETH BRANAGH (or Brian Blessed)for ODIN And lastly, I suppose DOMINIC PURCELL would be a nice, arrogant Norse God.
If done well... by samurai sark	Sep 29th, 2008 05:29:37 PM
If done well, it could be as big as "Lord of the Rings", without the long drawn out-ed-ness. If done poorly, expect "300" without all the great acting.
Surprised AICN didnt post the adventures in babysitting youtube by Stalkeye	Sep 29th, 2008 05:30:26 PM
..best line out the whole movie:"Thor is a Homo"!
SCOTT CAAN = THOR by samurai sark	Sep 29th, 2008 05:30:53 PM
psyche
Tom Leykis = Odin by samurai sark	Sep 29th, 2008 05:34:28 PM
Don't lest any single mothers touch your hammer.
Dollar Bird : Odin by Philo	Sep 29th, 2008 06:01:23 PM
You know thw idea of Vincent D'Nofrio getting the beard on and playing the big fella is kind of interesting. After all he played Robert E Howard in that biopic back a few years and there's nothing more like the Norse legends than Conan. Yeah, sound like an interesting take on it. Having said that, I can see Brian Blessed there too...
Branagh directing Thor - Awesome! by finky089	Sep 29th, 2008 06:03:03 PM
But, I wonder who he will cast himself as in the film?
Thomas Mullins = Odin by finky089	Sep 29th, 2008 06:06:15 PM

Branagh is anything but a hack... by Le Vicious Fishus	Sep 29th, 2008 06:33:05 PM
Sure, FRANKENSTEIN sucked, but Branagh is a true prodigy who was acting and directing in a multitude of plays--many highly acclaimed Shakespeare productions--starring the best actors alive (e.g., Derek Jacobi; Judi Dench) whilst just in his mid twenties! That ain't a hack, Omar. Branagh is an immensely skilled and talented actor/director. You may not like him for a variety of personal reasons, but that doesn't change the reality of his most impressive resume.
Oh, and my guess is that Branagh, by Le Vicious Fishus	Sep 29th, 2008 06:35:34 PM
who, despite his talent and skill, is an indisputably self-aggrandizing prick, will cast himself as Loki. And, hey--he'll be great, so who gives a shit?
Good call, samurai sark by MetalMickey	Sep 29th, 2008 06:41:51 PM
I immediately thought of Jude Law & Paul Bettany for Loki, myself.
Hearing some of the picks for Thor makes me.. by SID 8.0	Sep 29th, 2008 06:45:21 PM
think not many of you have read the comic books. Thor is HUGE! Most of the actors mentioned would have to start taking steroids now with a HGH chaser. Jouka Ahola is the best choice by far. We seen too little of him in Kingdom Of Heaven. The only others that come as close are Triple H which we know ain't happening. Or the guy who played Arnie in his biopic. Bit of a longshot but possible. But Bean, McKidd, Pitt, Urban all to small. Alexander Skarsgard good choice but a better choice for Cap.
You have to Hire someone who can act 1st by Phategod2	Sep 29th, 2008 07:05:48 PM
300 has proven that the look can be attained with the right amount of training. The quickest way to make a joke of a movie is to hire a wrestler as a lead (except for roddy piper or the Rock....maybe)
Good lord... by Chishu_Ryu	Sep 29th, 2008 07:38:45 PM
Marvel seems intent on giving their properties to directors with like no visual sense at all. Iron Man only worked 'cause of Robert Downey Jr. Visually, nothing stood out whatsoever, unlike what you'd get with a film by Bryan Singer, Sam Raimi, Tim Burton, Chris Nolan, or Ang Lee. This is a COMIC BOOK MOVIE y'all! Show some visual creativity, please! Same goes with Letterier's Hulk film. Passable at best. Now we got Branagh doing Thor. Great. The guy can the ham the hell out of Shakespeare, but can he make Asgard truly look like the home of the Norse gods? Can he give Odin and Thor the mythic presence required? Has Branagh ever even worked with a digital effect before? Does he know what one is? And Branagh will cast himself as Odin. Wait for it...
Yea, verily and forsooth. by Devil'sOwn	Sep 29th, 2008 07:45:15 PM
I like Branagh, the guy's undeniably talented. And Thor's a badass Viking with a rich backstory and supporting cast. I don't think this will even be a case of the public not being familiar with the property. It's classic mythology, and Marvel is picking up momentum. If they have a good story well produced with capable performers AND it ties into an AVENGERS movie? Lotta happy moviegoers.
Brian Blessed by The Page	Sep 29th, 2008 08:35:21 PM
I know for a fact that Brian Blessed can act at high altitudes.
I say thee NAY!!! by FearfulSymmetry	Sep 29th, 2008 08:35:55 PM
I can't believe no used that a subject line yet. Tim Roth would be a great Loki. Thor himself is gonna be tough for the house of ideas to cast.
Without super hero Thor... by FearfulSymmetry	Sep 29th, 2008 08:41:35 PM
...only about 1 in 1000 people would know who the fuck Thor is. Is it going to be super hero Thor? Did you happen to realize it's Marvel making the movie? Tales of Asgard Thor is still Marvel Thor; regardless of costume.
Holy Shiznit, corrupt anitcool exposed.. by MacFaux	Sep 29th, 2008 09:08:04 PM
Denied Heroes and the first 3 minutes of Life and yet went blah blah blah for happy crappy HBO and Showtime shows. How about that. Does your crooked feel crazy? Oh. My. Dear and sweet fluffy lord. 15 years of work exposed as hackery in an hour! wow. That is so Austin city limits sad. Never google MacFaux
I must now ignore Harry forever by kungfuhustler84	Sep 29th, 2008 09:42:41 PM
Thor is grander material than Hamlet? Yeeeaaahhhhh. Or did you mean in terms of budget and scope?
However Drian Blessed for Odin by kungfuhustler84	Sep 29th, 2008 09:44:28 PM
works to such an incredible degree that I can't help but love you again.
Which is kind of funny since by kungfuhustler84	Sep 29th, 2008 09:45:50 PM
Brian Blessed was in the show The Avengers. tee hee
Crispin Glover for Loki... by KongMonkey	Sep 29th, 2008 09:57:10 PM
But I wonder which character actor will Branaugh miscast as Thor in this one? Deniro as Frankensteins monster? Now Al Pacino as Thor. "Say hello to Mjinor, mutherfuckur!"
Motherfuckur by I am the most horrible	Sep 29th, 2008 10:17:20 PM
Heh heh. Wish i knew how to umlaut that shit.
Blessed is my pick for Odin by nerosday	Sep 29th, 2008 11:06:59 PM
My all time pick, God rest him, would have been the late great Oliver Reed, most of the younger generation know him from his last movie Gladiator, he played Proximo the owner/manager of the gladiators. Aside from his booming voice and stocky build, turbulent personality, he lived the Odin persona, Just listen to how he died: From Wikipedia – “Reed died of a sudden heart attack during a break from filming Gladiator in Valletta, Malta on 2 May 1999. He was 61 years old and was reported to be heavily intoxicated at the time of his death. Racking up an $866 alcohol bill, Reed had reportedly drunk three bottles of Captain Morgan's rum, eight bottles of beer and numerous doubles of Famous Grouse whisky. He also beat five much younger Royal Navy sailors at arm wrestling at a bar called "The Pub." (The owners have since added "Ollie's Last Pub" to the sign.)” I said it this morning, I miss that man.
Dude from Rome, not the PUnisher by Stormwatcher	Sep 30th, 2008 12:11:17 AM
Veronus Lives! So does Yosarian. Yeah, this could be great. Or will it be like Too Human?
Holy shit Nerosday... by blindambition238	Sep 30th, 2008 12:34:58 AM
Why haven't we been erecting statues of him yet? I remember hearing that he challenged Russell Crowe to nightly drinking matches during the Gladiator shoot, and that Crowe could only keep up by bribing the barkeep to replace every other shot with water or soda.
"I say thee...AWW, Hell NO!" by Bill Clay	Sep 30th, 2008 12:36:50 AM
Would Will Smith wear the blonde wig?
The man BORN to play THOR: by Bob Cryptonight	Sep 30th, 2008 01:12:55 AM
Gary Busey!
Yep, by nerosday	Sep 30th, 2008 01:48:56 AM

Will it look Norse/fantastical, or Kirby/Simonson by Dingbatty	Sep 30th, 2008 03:23:40 AM
or a hybrid of the two, like in that Son of Asgard mini? (example pic here: http://tinyurl.com/42scml
CGI Thor, not enough CGI in Hollywood by bigj1124	Sep 30th, 2008 05:58:33 AM
ILM him!!!
Brian Blessed and Hulk Hogan - together at last..! by workshed	Oct 5th, 2008 04:17:33 PM
And anyone who doubts Branagh's ability to make an 'epic' should watch 'Shackleton'. It was fantastic. For me, Branagh's 'Henry V' remains one the best Shakespeare adaptations on film to date. The long tracking shot after the battle is breathtaking and most moving.

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