Up and coming Australian actor Chris Hemsworth has been cast in the lead role of Kenneth Branagh’s “Thor,” Nikki Finke reports.
Hemsworth was last seen as George T. Kirk in J.J. Abrams’ “Star Trek” and will also be in Drew Goddard and Joss Whedon’s secretive “Cabin In The Woods.” Hemsworth only revealed he was reading for “Thor” at the start of May with his casting now concluding a lengthy, drawn out process which saw every actor in Hollywood that could pass as Nordic linked to the role. The likes of Daniel Craig, Kevin McKidd, Alexandar Skarsgard, Tom Hiddlestone, Joel Kinnanman and Charlie Hunnam were all rumored to be up for it at one point or another.
No word yet on the casting of the Thor’s brother, Loki, and his female lead/love interest – roles previously linked to Josh Hartnett and Natalie Portman. All major casting for “Thor” is reportedly going to be finalized this month though so we’ll find out sooner rather than later. The film currently has a May 20th, 2011 release date.
In other Hemsworth news, Latino Review is now reporting that the young actor has been cast as the lead in Jed Eckhert’s “Red Dawn” reboot, a role previously occupied by Patrick Swayze. Is all this stemming from his 5 minute cameo in “Star Trek”?
Hemsworth is probably a name you may want to keep note of. Along with Chris, Liam and Luke are also prominent actors who have followed older brother Chris’ footsteps in the Australia soap opera scene. Liam was, in fact, cast in Sylvester Stallone’s “The Expendables” after Sly saw him on tape but unfortunately had his role written out of the final script. He also read for “Thor” before his brother.