From Kirk’s Dad to ‘Thor’ and Wolverines

Evidently, ‘Star Trek’ is making stars out of everyone involved.  Chris Hemsworth, who plays the ill-fated, George Kirk, among them.  The actor has just been signed to star in not one, but two high-profile blockbuster films.

First, and probably more importantly, Hemsworth will be playing Thor in the Kenneth Branagh adaptation of the Marvel comic series.  Hemsworth casting in the role ceases months, even years, of rumors and fantasy castings as to who should wield the hammer and wear the winged helmet.

Secondly, Hemsworth will be filling the role originated by Patrick Swayze as he takes on the lead role in the updated version of ‘Red Dawn.’  In the original, 1984 film, Russia and Cuba invaded the US, and it was up to a group of teenagers to fend them off of their small, Midwestern town.  In the updated version, it will be Russian and Chinese forces that invade.

Hemsworth is fine in the ‘Red Dawn’ role, and I’m sure he’ll be fine as Thor.  I just can’t help but think there was a better choice out there to play the Marvel god.  There was a rumor a few months back that Alexander Skarsgard, Eric on “True Blood,” was a leading candidate.  Personally, I think Skarsgard would have made the perfect Thor.  Who knows?  Maybe Skarsgard blew the audition and Hemsworth showed Branagh something special.

We will see when ‘Thor’ hits theaters on May 20th, 2011.  ‘Red Dawn’ is set for a September 24th, 2010 release.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter