Way back in August 2007 there was speculation that Kevin McKidd was in the running to play the lead in Marvel’s upcoming Norse-god superhero movie Thor. Since then the rumor kind of faded away but today we have an update for you.
At last night’s after party for the premier of Punisher: War Zone, IGN caught up with Kevin McKidd and asked him if he’s still in the running to play Thor.
McKidd confirmed he may still appear as the thunder god, but there’s been “a lot of back and forth” surrounding the project.
|
|
Though nothing is confirmed for him, he acknowledged that having Kenneth Branagh directing the movie has made him even more excited about the film. He also stressed he’s up for the lead role of Thor, and not a supporting role.
McKidd’s credits include a number of films including Kingdom of Heaven; as of late, his television career includes Grey’s Anatomy, Journeyman and Rome. There isn’t another actor with better background credits that lead him to the role of Norse God, but I have my reservations.
My concern with this character is the transformation: Thor has a considerable amount of physical bulk as compared to the doctor (with his House-like disabled leg). We’re talking about a guy that throws around the Hulk when necessary. But I still think he’d be a good choice for Dr. Blake.
Do you think that Kevin McKidd could wield the magical hammer?
Source: IGN
If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to our RSS feed. Learn more about Screen Rant or if you want more frequent updates follow us on Twitter. Thanks for visiting!
34 Comments
YES! I have been associating McKidd with Thor since Vic wrote about it last year. McKIDD FOR THOR!
heath
McKidd stated he was up for the role of Thor, not the role of Blake. Heck, Blake isn’t even mentioned in that IGN article.
Talk about misleading.
@Dr. Donald Blake
There was no intention to mislead. I actually didn’t catch that nuance so thanks for pointing it out. Carl (the writer) should have been more careful because you are indeed correct. I’ve edited the post above to more accurately reflect the source article.
Having said that, do you think they would cast two different actors for the two roles?
Thanks,
Vic
Actually, Vic, there’s no indication that Blake will even be in the flick. He wasn’t in the draft I read and there was no way to fit him in without major rewrites, but that doesn’t mean major rewrites haven’t happened.
We shall see, I guess
Screw this guy. Wayyyyy too small for Thor.
Next up Timberlake will be in the running for Captain America.
And my gravatar’s gone!
@Dr Donald Blake
You may very well be right:
http://screenrant.com/kenneth-branagh-direct-thor-vic-3825/
Vic
McKidd was in The Last Legion as a barbaric warrior with a battle axe. I would suggest anyone with reservations check it out.
McKidd’s the only person I can think of at the minute who I’d actually quite like to see as Thor. I mean, I’m not really looking forward to it all the much as is. From what I hear, it’s set entirely in Asgard? Not an attractive prospect for me. I lost interest in the comic when he went up to rule the place.
@Cameth
I think having this film set in Asgard is a really good idea. Think about it like this: Captain America is set up to feed directly into Avengers, most likely with the freezing of Cap.
I believe, though I’m not positive, that I heard Hulk will be an Avenger and not the villian in Avengers, so who would make for a good villian? None other than the original Avengers villian, Loki, who Thor let escape from Asgard, ending up with Thor being banished to Earth to the body of Dr. DB at the end of the Thor film.
I like the thought! If an guy from ‘down under’ can pull of Wolverine, then (with a little bulk added) he could do Thor. BTW… a great choice for Cap would be JENSEN ACKLES from SUPERNATURAL would be a great choice for CA! Gotta go shine up the ol’ armor…. -Stark
I love this guy, I’m all for it.
I was excited when he was listed as Thor on IMDB like 3 years ago, hehe.
Although, no matter who they pick, I can’t figure out how they’re gonna make him the monster man that is Thor. Some LOTR film magic is going to have to be used creatively
McKidd would be great as Thor. He was awesome on Rome and is very capable of pulling this off.
I like S.Matt’s idea for a story that feeds into an Avengers movie. Plus I seem to remember reading that Marvel was hoping that Thor could be their “Lord of the Rings”-type movie. To me that would probably mean a movie that takes place in Asgard.
I apologize for the mislead, it wasn’t my intention. It is my mistake to have assumed Blake would be in the film when it hasn’t been confirmed. I can’t simply picture a successful film without both roles, and only one person playing those roles.
No big deal man. It was just kind of jarring to come in here and read “He also stressed he’s up for the lead role of Donald Blake”, having just finished reading the first draft a few days ago and without his appearance in any rewrites being confirmed.
@S.Mart
Oh, haha, I’m not dead set against a little Asgard. I mean, you can’t have Thor without it, I just don’t want it entirely set there. The whole attraction of Thor, for me, was this God amongst men dealy.
I think Loki is a really good villain for the Avengers to face. I’d rather Ultron, but Loki will do fine. Problem is, who’s Thor gonna fight in his film? You don’t want to see the same villain fight twice.
Well, Thanos, maybe. But Thor doesn’t have the best rogues gallery.
@Carl
No worries. I know you certainly didn’t intend to mislead - you just extrapolated the Blake thing from what they said.
Vic
This casting would add so much credibility to this character and even more to the film. If this happens, I can see this film with associated with the likes of Iron Man and The Dark Knight.
Kevin McKidd all the way. Anything with him and Ray Stevenson, bring it on. All we need is for them to appear in the same film together one day, that would be something, lol.
And if you want to talk about his size, you think Christian Bale is as big as the Batman in the comics?? lol
McKidd will be awesome as Thor. Hope this pulls through.
Would love to see him again, Rome was one of the best series! But maybe his mate Ray Pullo” Stevenson and Kevin combined would make a good Thor?
Batman is a normal dude in the a suit… Thor is a 600 pound monster who happens to be a God
@Cameth
Great idea! The Loki storyline sounds like the smoothest and logical transistion of why a Thunder God, a super-human team would come together. It would also be wise if Marvel takes your direction and saves Ultron for the second film after Pym and Stark get aquianted and builds it with Loki’s fingers stirring up trouble in the Ultron’s mind.
@Stark
not a bad pic for Steve Rogers, but I don’t know if his acting is on the same level as RDJ, Don C., and Edward Norton’s.
I’d like to see others before him like the following: Thomas Jane, the new Kirk from the new Star Trek, and the lead from HBO’s Dexter.
@jimmy
True about comic Thor, BUT we’re talking movie Thor and there is alot of room for adjustments as long as the acting and storyline are crediable.
IMHO,also agree McKidd is a very good pick, but Daniel Craig would be very interesting to see in the role.
Thor would be a long way to come from the young snivelling priest in the Father Ted Christmas Special.
Think he could do it though.
I really hope they cast this dude in the Thor film, I think he’s be great as the Norse god and he’s got the acting chops to boot!
I also hope Kenneth Branhah has got the good sense to cast his good mate Brian Blessed as Odin’s Beard!!!
@Adrian
Yay for quoting the wrong person! Ah, I kid, haha.
I think your idea for the second film is great.
@S.Matt
Yicks! My bad, S. Matt. LOL, Great idea,bud.
Bringing Thor to the big screen then blending him in to the Avengers movie is a hard task I think…so you either have a big ex-wrestler who can’t act in the role…or he’s all CGI like Hulk if you want him to be huge and on Hulk level bulk…or you get a good actor who may not be all muscles..but can make you believe that he is super-human and super strong…and i forgot to say…put him in a muscle-rubber suit like Juggernaut.
@ Adrian
No worries, man, lol.
I’m really getting excited about the MMU (Marvel Movie Universe). Does anyone know if Antman is going to be included?
Damn man, all of this talk makes me want to watch some Rome… I do own both seasons on DVD…
This guy would be great as Thor. Practically anyone, especially in hollywood, can bulk up. He has the face, IMO, and is a good actor.
Actor Kevin McKidd is an excellent choice for the role of the Viking Thunder God THOR & Dr. Donald Blake (Thor’s other self when as a human on Earth..’which I’m sure will be explained on the big screen). Something about MCKIDD’s ruggered brawny/handsome looks & his supreme acting abilities will bring THOR’s mighty character to life on the big screen and with KENNETH BRANAGH on the scene as the Director of this much love MARVEL Hero it will be an Epic masterpiece for sure. Branagh’s Director fame works in films like “Hamlet & Henry V” etc.,. were Classic adventure Epics that are treasures/The Mighty Viking THOR (and Odin & Loki, Asgaard etc.,.) are all in good hands. Wow!
I think he could do a good job if he works out and put some muscle on him. However, I’m having a hard time with anyone who’s gonna play Thor that’s not at least 6′6″. We should keep looking. Wonder Woman was hard until they thought of Megan Gale. What about the guy who played Mike Myers in the remake of Halloween?
What's your opinion? Leave a comment!
Go to Gravatar.com and upload your own (we'll wait)!