Comic book blog site Bleeding Cool is reporting that actor Brian Blessed (Hamlet, Macbeth) is going to be lending his famously booming voice and imposing stature to the role of Odin, King of Asgard, in Kenneth Branagh’s big-screen adaptation of Marvel Comics’ Thor.
Fans of Thor of course know that Odin is not only All-Father of Asgard, he’s also the father of Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Thor’s nefarious half-brother, Loki (Tom Hiddleston). If Brian Blessed has indeed snagged the role of Odin, it means that Thor is going to get a serious thespian to help anchor the cast of relative newcomers.
Blessed and Branagh have previously worked together on several Shakespeare plays-turned-movies, including Henry V (1989), Much Ado About Nothing (1993), Hamlet (1996) and As You Like It (2006). Blessed’s iconic voice is also something you might not even know you recognize: the actor has lent his booming baritone to everyone from George Lucas (he voiced undersea ruler “Boss Nass” in The Phantom Menace) to Seth MacFarlane (he spoofed his own Prince Vultan role in Flash Gordon for an episode of Family Guy). And considering the long, long, list of Shakespearean roles Blessed has under belt, it’s safe to say the man possess more than enough dramatic gravitas to play Odin.
In fact, as I look over Brian Blessed’s filmography, the man is a perfect choice for Odin! Hell, last year he even narrated a film video game called Viking: Battle for Asgard! What more could you want?
In the Thor comics Odin has all the strength and invulnerability of a god, as well as access to vast amounts of magical energy known as “the Odin Power”, which has traditionally allowed him to do fantastic things like transporting every person on Earth to an alternate dimension. Odin is also quite the tactician and fierce warrior, famously wielding a mystical spear know as Gungnir, “The Spear of Heaven”.
Thor's father Odin (click for larger image)
However, the part I think MIGHT factor into the Thor movie: once a year Odin must undertake “the OdinSleep” or “the Sleep of Life” - a 24-hour period in which the God-king must enter a deep sleep in order to recharge his powers. While in Odinsleep, Odin is extremely vulnerable and his influence is over Asgard is weakened. The recent Hulk vs. Thor animated feature fashioned a great plot out of the Odinsleep ritual. Will the Thor movie attempt to do the same?
Right now there is no official confirmation from either Marvel, Kenneth Branagh or Brian Blessed himself aobut the actor being cast as Odin. However, Richard Johnston over at Bleeding Cool is somewhat of a comic book industry insider, and I for one am willing to give his word the benefit of the doubt. We’ll pass on official confirmation about the casting of Odin when we get it.
For now, how do you feel about Brian Blessed possibly playing Odin in Thor? Does it seem like a logical casting choice or did you have someone else in mind for the role?
Source: Bleeding Cool via Slash Film
Odin Statue can be found at: Bowen Designs
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I think he would be a great Odin!!
On a more important note, where did you get the picture of that odin Statuette? I would soooo buy it!!!!!!!!!
Looks like the perfect casting choice.
I think this is an EXCELLENT choice, if true, and I think it is. This film is shaping up to be another Marvel Masterpiece!
heath
“Blessed and Branagh have previously worked together on two Shakespeare plays-turned-movies: Hamlet (1996) and As You Like It (2006)”
What about Henry V?
Yeah, if this is confirmed later on… this Thor movie will prove to be something truly special (if it hasn’t already).
@ Guy Fleegman
You are correct, sir. I added Henry V in there. Thanks for the good eye.
YES!!! Blessed RULES, this is the first bit of news about this Thor film I like.
We need more Brian Blessed, and lets not forget he was Edmund’s father AKA King Richard the IV!
Good choice if true.
This production feels very British at the moment, I like it.
Never heard of him, but he does look the part. If he indeed has the voice Kofi says he has, I think he is perfect. I, at first, thought Branaugh would play the god-king but this choice is better.
He looks it but can he act it?
Can he act it?
Are you serious???????
Read his bio, man.
I can’t. In 2018 imdb no longer exists.
@John conner… Yes, he’s very good… and a perfect fit for the part. I’m sure there’s a bit of favortism in Branagh casting him, given the many films they’ve worked on together. Still, he’s right for this part.
Overall, Branagh seems to be aiming for quality acting with this film, and given its content, that’s a very wise choice.
Yeah… Guys….
This is NOT the man you have to question about acting ability. I use the words “Serious Thespian” in the post for a reason. Blessed would bring serious clout to Thor.
@kofi and bill
Awesome, that’s what I wanted to hear. I haven’t seen the movies he has been in but I want Thor to succeed. I’ll have to download it from the skynet database when it comes out.
@ John Conner
FYI, Watch out for a guy named Marcus in your future, And for your own sake, DON’T KILL HIM!!!!
As for This thread. I wonder if we will see Brian Blessed/Odin riding Sleipner, his eight-legged horse… Or at least put his horse in the movie as well as his 2 pet wolves and ravens. That would be sweet…
That statue looks like it came from http://www.bowendesigns.com.
Vic
@John “Kahless”, never heard of him?
Quick make haste and rent the Black Adder 1st season, then Flash Gordon! The 80s movie, trust me.
Kahless and John conner, just youtube him in: any of his films or TV appearances and you’ll get “the voice”! “Brian Blessed does snooker commentary” will crack you up. Seriously, I can’t think of another actor better suited for Odin. Genius casting.
Well, you have my interest in this project now! Brian Blessed definitely has the chops and physical presence to own that role. This could be really interesting.
He’s gonna steal every scene…
Blessed as the Duke of Exeter in Henry V was powerful, especially at the Battle of Agincourt and when he threatens the French king in his own court.
He looked at home wielding a mace. Odin should be a walk in the park for him.
This is absolutely fantastic. I never would have thought of him for the role, but its a brilliant choice.
Excellent choice. From Rowan Atkinson’s dad to Thor’s dad is quite a promotion.
Blessed is 7 different kinds of awesome.
He’s a great choice to play Odin
As long as he doesn’t wear eye makeup I think hr might be good in the role of Odin.
John ‘Conner’, for your sake, I hope that misspelling is deliberate.
Anyway, I hope whoever plays Odin gets beefed up for the role.
Not much chance of a 71 year old getting beefed up.