Anthony Hopkins has been cast as Norse god Odin in Marvel Studios’ Thor, to be directed by Kenneth Branagh starting January.
Odin is the father of Thor and Loki, to be played by Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston, respectively. Natalie Portman is playing Thor’s love interest, Jane Foster.
In the movie, written by Mark Protosevich and Zack Stentz, the powerful but arrogant warrior Thor’s reckless actions re-ignite an ancient war. As punishment, Thor is cast down to Earth and forced to live among humans. Once here, he learns what it takes to be a true hero when the most dangerous villain of his world sends dark forces of Asgard to invade Earth.
Paramount Pictures will release the film on May 20, 2011.