Natalie Portman Explains Her Decision to Star in Thor

BRENTJS SPRECHER — 22 Nov 2009 19:49:19 CDT

Director Kenneth Branagh has assembled an all-star cast for his production of Thor. Though the lead role went to a relative unknown in Chris Hemsworth, Branagh has surrounded the Star Trek actor with such top talents as Academy Award-nominated actress Natalie Portman and Academy Award-winner Anthony Hopkins.

While out promoting Brothers, Portman told SuperHeroHype that the opportunity to work with the multiple Academy Award-nominated director wasreason enough to consider Thor.

I just thought it sounded like a weird idea because Kenneth Branagh's directing it, so I was just like, "Kenneth Branagh doing Thor is super-weird. I've gotta do it."

Other Thor cast members include Tom Hiddleston,Jaimie Alexander, Ray Stevenson, Stuart Townsend, Tadanobu Asano, and the most recent addition, Idris Elba. Thor is scheduled to begin filming in January.

Thor Update: Casting, Set Report, and Stan Lee's Cameo

RYAN GOWLAND — 20 Nov 2009 19:21:50 CDT

Thor, which starts production in mid-January, seems to be on the fast track to complete its casting. Earlier this week, director Kenneth Branagh and Marvel cast the Warriors Three, and today, THR reports that Idris Elba has joined the cast as Heimdall, the guardian of Asgard.

While the cast is coming together, the cameo role for Stan Lee isn't. Lee Told MTV that he has met with Branagh, but a cameo role has not been chosen yet.

I had lunch with Branagh, [who's] the nicest guy in the world as well as the most talented. Months ago, when he was first starting on the movie, he said he would get a cameo for me. When we had lunch, I was sure he had asked me to lunch because he wanted me to play Odin, [Thor's father, a role Anthony Hopkins will be playing] but it was a big disappointment. I figure I'll end up carrying his spear.

Once Lee does get his cameo lined up, he'll get to visit the set like Marvel comics writer Brian Michael Bendis did. He used his Twitter account to tell fans about his on set experience.

Broadcasting live from marvel west. Thor movie meeting with Ken branagh was over the top amazing. Visited the sets! I was in Odin's chamber!

ReelzChannel | Kenneth Branagh

Natalie Portman Explains Her Decision to Star in Thor

Thor Update: Casting, Set Report, and Stan Lee's Cameo