Though all eyes have been on Iron Man 3 as of late with that film going into production imminently, Marvel is also set to start filming another superhero pic later this year: Thor 2. Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins, Idris Elba and Tom Hiddleston are all set to return, and after an extensive director search that saw Patty Jenkins join and subsequently drop out of the project, Game of Thrones staple Alan Taylor is set to take the helm. As that production looms closer, we now have our first new casting addition and it’s a biggie: Mads Mikkelsen will be playing the villain. Hit the jump for more.
Per Variety, Casino Royale baddie Mikkelsen is in talks to star as the main villain in Thor 2. Though it’s unknown what role Mikkelsen will specifically play, Hiddelston’s Loki character is said to still have a big part in the film as an antagonist. Mikkelsen is a Danish actor who is probably best known as the villain in Casino Royale, but also had a strong supporting role in 2010’s Clash of the Titans and starred in Nicholas Winding Refn’s Valhalla Rising.
I’m not familiar enough with Thor mythology to speculate on Mikkelsen’s role, but I’m assuming his foreign heritage might be a minor clue to those in the know. When Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige spoke with Steve a few months ago, he revealed that Thor 2 will shoot in London and that the film would have “another big villain” besides Loki. As far as the story goes, here’s what Feige said about the what the sequel will focus on:
“[The heart of the movie is] Thor and Jane, to continue that dynamic. Really they were only together for three days, and do they love each other? Do they like each other? Do they know each other? We’re acknowledging that that love story in the first movie was sort of a quick crush, essentially, over the course of three quick days in the middle of the desert. And [the heart of the movie is also] the relationship between Thor and Odin, which does change drastically as it did over the course of the first movie, and picks up and continues from there.”
I was a big fan of Thor, and Taylor has one of the principal directors on HBO’s stellar fantasy series Game of Thrones so I think the sequel is in good hands. I’m eager to see how the story continues, and I’m hoping that those more knowledgeable than I about Thor lore can start to piece together who Mikkelsen might be playing. Speculate away!
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He’s going to be Malekith. I have zero doubt in my mind. Malekith is a dark elf from one of the other realms of Yggdrasil, Svartalfheim. Malekith recieved heavy play during Walt Simonson’s Run in the 1980′s. He has the same kind of “conquer all for revenge” attitude that Loki exhibited in the Avengers.
The major idea to take away from this though, is what this casting could unlock. Walter Simonson’s story arc for Malekith revolved around maniacal use of the “Casket of Ancient Winters”. Without going too far, Malekith’s ballistic use of the artifact sets events into motion that eventually lead to the much beloved “Surtur Saga”. As a mega Thor fan, I’m hoping that Thor 2 will set up this “saga” for a third installment. It’s purely speculative on my end. I’m nobody. Just offering up a theory.
Love the site guys, thanks for the news.
I hope I’m not the only one, but I think Hemsworth & Portman have damn great chemistry together!
They had more chemistry in the brief moment after he picks her up, asking if she wants to see Bifrost, than most other couples have in entire movies. Mikkelson should be a great baddie. For some reason, when I read the Millennium Trilogy, it was him I pictures as Blomkvist.
he will be Surtur the fire demon
This actor is great. When he plays villain its so unapologetic. Never fearful of his actions. I don’t know why but I really felt bad for his character in CR when he had to pay up.
Good choice.
I feel like Thor 2 will be a prequel to The Avengers.
I love Mads, loved him in Casino Royale, King Arthur and Valhalla Rising not sure what Thor villain he could play but the idea of him and Loki teaming up is just Evil sexy
Glad to see they are addressing the fact that Thor and Jane fell in love in 3 days. My gf is a sucker for romance and even laughed at how quick it escalated.
I agree that the romance did seem to escalate pretty fast, but you have to remember that she just met a god. There’s bound to be some pretty strong feelings going on inside of her.
I was hoping for the Wrecking Crew to be the villains. Clearly, I’m not getting my way.
That being said, I could see him doing a great take on Malekith, as someone already pointed out.
Have him confirmed and this will guarantee to be the best Thor Movie of all!
Just take all my money Marvel, take it all damnit!!
Exactly how I feel. If they keep bringing the quality, I’ll keep bringing the money.
Well at least he’s scandinavian. GO DENMARK!
Mads Mikkelsen is super!
I think Mephisto would be a better choice than Surtur!
is enchantress going to be in it???? :O please say yes >.<