I could've sworn that it was old news that Stellan Skarsgård would be in Kenneth Branagh's adaptation of the Marvel comic, "Thor".  I knew that Skarsgård's son Alexander was in the running for the title part before it ultimately went to Chris Hemsworth.  But it looks like it will be Skarsgård's the Elder who will be joining Hemsworth in the film so hit the jump if you want details and to imagine awkward family dinners at the Skarsgård household.

Here's a rough translation of a report from TTSpektra [via Ystads Allehanda [via ComingSoon.net]]:

Stellan Skarsgård is ready for a role in action movie "Thor."

Everything is still secret about the project and Skarsgård can not reveal what role he will play.

"They wanted me to sign without reading the script. That I refused to do. Then they sent one to me that was so coded that I could only print one copy," said Stellan Skarsgård to TT spectra.

I can't read Swedish but I think he also may have said that the one copy he printed would self-destruct in five seconds.

"Thor" is currently slated for a May 20th, 2011 release date.  In addition to Chris Hemsworth, the film also stars Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Jaimie Alexander, Colm Feore, and Samuel L. Jackson.  It did not, as I assumed, already star Stellan Skarsgård.

For those just tuning in, here's a brief synopsis:

This epic adventure spans the Marvel Universe; from present day Earth to the realm of Asgard. At the center of the story is The Mighty Thor, a powerful but arrogant warrior whose reckless actions reignite an ancient war. Thor is cast down to Earth and forced to live among humans as punishment. Once here, Thor learns what it takes to be a true hero when the most dangerous villain of his world sends the darkest forces of Asgard to invade Earth.