ReelzChannel | Chris Hemsworth

Matt Damon Almost Played Kirk's Dad in Star Trek

RYAN GOWLAND — 27 Nov 2009 11:03:10 CDT

Is there another actor with the luck streak Chris Hemsworth is currently enjoying? After playing the role of Captain Kirk's father in J.J. Abrams's Star Trek, Hemsworth grabbed the title role in Thor.

However, Abrams told MTV that Hemsworth almost lost the role to Matt Damon.

I went to Damon for the role of Kirk's father, and he declined in the most gracious and understandable and logical of reasons. Maybe it would have been distracting to have someone as massively famous as Matt Damonst in that role.... The decision was made very early on to have actors who were not necessarily the most famousbut the most right for the role. We lucked out with Chris Hemsworth, and he did a great job.

Without Star Trek, it's doubtful Hemsworth would have landed the Thor gig. Here's hoping he gave thanks yesterday that that Damon had "reasons" to turn down the role.

Zachary Levi Turned Down Role in Thor for Chuck

BRENTJS SPRECHER — 14 Nov 2009 17:59:33 CDT

The nerd-spy TV series Chuck faced down cancellation and came out victorious, even adding six more episodes to the thirteen already on order for its third season. Unfortunately, there was one casualty: series star Zachary Levi was forced to turn down an offer to play Fandral, one of the "Warrior's Three," in director Kenneth Branagh's live-action adaptation of the Thor comic book series, set to begin filming in January.

According to USA Weekend, the addition of six episodes caused a scheduling conflict that prevented Levi from accepting the role. Levi said that he had actually been asked to try out for the title role of the God of Thunder, as well, but declined.

I'm tall and in pretty good shape, but I'm not big and girthy like that.

Thor stars Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Natalie Portman as Jane Foster, and Anthony Hopkins as Thor's father, Odin.