Hopkins is Odin, Not Blessed

When I first saw this news last weekend, I quickly dismissed it as rumor, but it appears that there is some truth to the scoop. Where the question now lies, is if Brian Blessed is still cast in the Kenneth Branagh adaption of Marvel's "Thor". Read the full story after the jump...

Back in June , I reported that Brian Blessed had been cast as Thor's Asgardian father Odin. Last week's news although, leads us to see that initial report was wrong! Variety reports that Sir Anthony Hopkins will take the role of Odin in "Thor". Hopkins is a huge name for "Thor" and will definitely bolster the marquee which has up to now, been filled with lesser known actors in the leading roles. (Not that I am complaining, because I love the cast so far!) I have always loved Hopkins in whatever he does and remain extremely excited to see how Kenneth Branagh utilizes his talents.

The Anthony Hopkins confirmation still leaves us wondering what is up with Brian Blessed. Is he in or is he out? Blessed himself had said he had the role of Odin in "Thor" but we now know that to be false. There is no mention of Brian Blessed in the Variety report. Perhaps Blessed misspoke about the role he was actually playing or maybe Marvel producers and director Kenneth Branagh later decided that Blessed would be better suited for another role? There is also room for thought that Hopkins name was thrown around and when producers realized he was available, they quickly swooped up the actor, leaving Blessed out in the cold. For now, there is no confirmation that Brian Blessed is still even apart of "Thor" but instead there is hope and speculation that he will still be involved to some degree.

If you ask me (and any other Thor fan) Brian Blessed is a dead ringer for Volstagg of the Warriors Three. He is a bit old now, but depending on how the Warriors Three are used in the script, Blessed could still fit in quite nicely. The biggest restrain of casting Blessed as Volstagg at the ripe age of 72 would be the action, where he would be very limited. Volstagg is the eldest of the Warriors Three, he is extremely boisterous and boastful, while being respected as a feared warrior when he was in his prime. Even if it is a small cameo, I am really holding out hope that Brain Blessed is still apart of "Thor".

More news on "Thor" as it develops...

What say you? Like the idea of Hopkins as Odin? Will Blessed still be apart of the film? Strikeback...