Thor (film): Difference between revisions

In the present,{{efn|According to the book ''The Marvel Cinematic Universe: An Official Timeline'' (2023), the film takes place in early 2010,<ref name="TimelineBookCoverage">{{Cite web |last=Sandwell |first=Ian |date=October 25, 2023 |title=Marvel confirms official MCU timeline from Phase 1 to Phase 4 |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a45640277/marvel-timeline-mcu/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231025181921/https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a45640277/marvel-timeline-mcu/ |archive-date=October 25, 2023 |access-date=November 5, 2023 |website=[[Digital Spy]]}}</ref> simultaneously with the events of ''[[The Incredible Hulk (film)|The Incredible Hulk]]'' (2008) and ''[[Iron Man 2]]'' (2010).<ref name="Phase1Timeline" />}} Odin's son [[Thor (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Thor]] prepares to ascend to the throne of Asgard, but is interrupted when Frost Giants, secretly allowed in by his brother [[Loki (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Loki]], attempt to retrieve the Casket. Against Odin's order, Thor travels to Jotunheim to confront Laufey, accompanied by Loki, childhood friend [[Sif (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Sif]] and the [[Warriors Three (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Warriors Three]]: [[Volstagg (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Volstagg]], [[Fandral (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Fandral]], and [[Hogun (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Hogun]]. A battle ensues until Odin intervenes to save the Asgardians, destroying the fragile truce between the two races. ForAs punishment for Thor's arrogance, Odin strips his son of his godly powerpowers and exiles him to Earth as a mortal, accompanied by his hammer [[Mjolnir (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Mjölnir]], now protected by an enchantment that allows only the worthy to wield it.

Thor lands in [[New Mexico]], where astrophysicist [[Jane Foster (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Dr. Jane Foster]], her assistant [[Darcy Lewis]], and mentor Dr. [[Erik Selvig]] find him. The local populace finds Mjölnir, which [[S.H.I.E.L.D. (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|S.H.I.E.L.D.]] agent [[Phil Coulson]] soon commandeers before forcibly acquiring Foster's data about the [[wormhole]] that delivered Thor to Earth. Thor, havingHaving discovered Mjölnir's nearby location, Thor seeks to retrieve it from the facility that S.H.I.E.L.D. has constructed, but he finds himself unable to lift it and is captured. With Selvig's help, he is freed and resigns himself to exile on Earth as he develops a romance with Foster.

Loki discovers that he is Laufey's biological son, adopted by Odin after the war ended. Loki confronts Odin, who wearily falls into the deep "Odinsleep" to recover his strength. Loki takes the throne in Odin's stead and offers Laufey the chance to kill Odin and retrieve the Casket. Sif and the Warriors Three, unhappy with Loki's rule, attempt to return Thor from exile, convincing [[Heimdall (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Heimdall]], gatekeeper of the [[Bifrost (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Bifröst]]—the means of traveling between worlds—to allow them passage to Earth. Aware of their plan, Loki sends the [[Destroyer (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Destroyer]], a seemingly indestructible [[automaton]], to pursue them and kill Thor. The warriors find Thor, but the Destroyer attacks and defeats them, prompting Thor to offer himself instead. Struck by the Destroyer and near death, Thor proves himself worthy by his sacrifice to wield Mjölnir. The hammer returns to him, restoring his powers and enabling him to defeat the Destroyer. Thor and Jane kiss each other goodbye before he leaves with his fellow Asgardians to confront Loki.

In Asgard, Loki betrays and kills Laufey. Thor arrives, and Loki reveals his plan to destroy Jotunheim with the Bifröst Bridge. Thor fights Loki before destroying the Bifröst Bridge to stop Loki's plan, stranding himself in Asgard. Odin awakens and prevents the brothers from falling into the abyss created in the wake of the bridge's destruction, but Loki allows himself to fall when Odin rejects hisLoki's pleas for approval., Loki endsallows uphimself fallingto fall into a wormholethe and arrives at Earthabyss. Thor makes amends with Odin, admitting he is not ready to be king; meanwhile, on Earth, Foster and her team search for a way to open a portal to Asgard.

In a [[post-credits scene]], Selvig is taken to a S.H.I.E.L.D. facility, where [[Nick Fury (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Nick Fury]] opens a briefcase and asks him to study a mysterious cube-shaped object,{{efn|Identified off-screen as the [[Tesseract (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Tesseract]].<ref name="Tesseract" /><ref name="Tesseract2" />}} which Fury says may hold untold power. An invisible Loki, who survived his fall and arrived on Earth, secretly prompts Selvig to agree.

* [[Chris Hemsworth]] as [[Thor (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Thor]]: <br />The [[crown prince]] of [[Asgard (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Asgard]], based on the [[Norse mythology|Norse mythological]] deity [[Thor|of the same name]]. Director [[Kenneth Branagh]] and Marvel Studios chief [[Kevin Feige]] chose Hemsworth after a back-and-forth process in which the 25-year-old actor was initially dropped from consideration and then given a second chance to read for the part.<ref name="hemsworth" /> Hemsworth stated that he gained {{convert|20|lb|kg|0}} for the role by eating non-stop and revealed that "It wasn't until ''Thor'' that I started lifting weights, it was all pretty new to me."<ref name="Shira" /> After taking an initial costume fitting, Hemsworth returned three weeks later to find it did not fit because of the muscle mass he had gained in that time span. At that point, he shifted away from eating a lot of calories and training to a kettlebell workout that would maintained his muscle mass rather than continuing to add to it.<ref name="MCUReignVFExcerpt" /> Regarding his take on the character, Hemsworth said, "We just kept trying to humanize it all, and keep it very real. Look into all the research about the comic books that we could, but also bring it back to 'Who is this guy as a person, and what's his relationship with people in the individual scenes?{{Single double}}<ref name="huver" /> About approaching Thor's fighting style, he remarked, "First, we looked at the comic books and the posturing, the way [Thor] moves and fights, and a lot of his power seems to be drawn up through the ground. We talked about boxers, you know, [[Mike Tyson]], very low to the ground and big open chest and big shoulder swings and very sort of brutal but graceful at the same time, and then as we shot stuff things became easier."<ref name="Warmoth" /> [[Dakota Goyo]] portrays a young Thor.

* [[Natalie Portman]] as [[Jane Foster (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Jane Foster]]: <br />A scientist and Thor's love interest. Marvel Studios stated in an announcement that the character was updated from the comics' initial portrayal for the feature adaptation.<ref name="portman" /> When asked why she took the role, Portman replied, "I just thought it sounded like a weird idea because Kenneth Branagh's directing it, so I was just like, 'Kenneth Branagh doing ''Thor'' is super-weird, I've gotta do it.{{Single double}}<ref name="portmanthorweird" /> Portman stated that she really wanted to do a big effects film that emphasized character, and getting to do it with Branagh was a new way of approaching it, relative to ''[[Star Wars]]''.<ref name="comiccon" /> Regarding her preparation for the role Portman remarked, "I signed on to do it before there was a script. And Ken, who's amazing, who is so incredible, was like, 'You can really help create this character'. I got to read all of these biographies of female scientists like [[Rosalind Franklin]] who actually discovered the [[Nucleic acid double helix|DNA double helix]] but didn't get the credit for it. The struggles they had and the way that they thought&nbsp;– I was like, 'What a great opportunity, in a very big movie that is going to be seen by a lot of people, to have a woman as a scientist'. She's a very serious scientist. Because in the comic she's a nurse and now they made her an [[Astrophysics|astrophysicist]]. Really, I know it sounds silly, but it is those little things that makes girls think it's possible. It doesn't give them a [role] model of 'Oh, I just have to dress cute in movies'".<ref name="Kaufman" />

* [[Tom Hiddleston]] as [[Loki (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Loki]]: <br />Thor's adoptive brother and nemesis, based on the deity [[Loki|of the same name]]. Hiddleston was chosen after previously working with Branagh on ''[[Ivanov (play)|Ivanov]]'' and ''[[Wallander (British TV series)|Wallander]]''.<ref name="hiddleston" /> Initially, Hiddleston auditioned to play Thor but Branagh decided his talent would be better harnessed playing Loki. Hiddleston stated that the character was "a comic book version of [[Edmund (King Lear)|Edmund]] in ''[[King Lear]]'', but nastier." Hiddleston had to keep a strict diet before the start of filming because Branagh wanted "Loki to have a lean and hungry look, like [[Gaius Cassius Longinus|Cassius]] in ''[[Julius Caesar (play)|Julius Caesar]]''. Physically, he can't be posing as Thor".<ref name="HiddlestonMay2009" /> Hiddleston looked at [[Peter O'Toole]] as inspiration for Loki as well, explaining, "Interestingly enough, [Kenneth Branagh] said to look at Peter O'Toole in two specific films, ''[[The Lion in Winter (1968 film)|The Lion in Winter]]'' and ''[[Lawrence of Arabia (film)|Lawrence of Arabia]]''. What's interesting about ... his performance [as King Henry] is you see how damaged he is. There's a rawness [to his performance]; it's almost as if he's living with a layer of skin peeled away. He's grandiose and teary and, in a moment, by turns hilarious and then terrifying. What we wanted was that emotional volatility. It's a different acting style, it's not quite the same thing, but it's fascinating to go back and watch an actor as great as O'Toole head for those great high hills".<ref name="Storm" /> Ted Allpress portrays a young Loki.

* [[Stellan Skarsgård]] as [[Erik Selvig]]: <br />A scientist doing research in New Mexico who encounters Thor.<ref name="skarsgard" /> Skarsgård stated that he was not initially familiar with the comic book version of Thor.<ref name="Wigler" /> As to why he took the part, Skarsgård remarked, I "chose ''Thor'' because of [director] Kenneth Branagh. The script was nice and we got to rehearse and talk to the writers and do some collaborating in the process to make it fit us. So I had a very happy time on it. What I always try to do is immediately do something I just haven't done so I get variation in my life. I've made about 90 films and if I did the same thing over and over again I would be bored by now. I try to pick different films, I go and do those big ones and having done that I can usually afford to go and do some really small obscure films and experiment a little".<ref name="Cheney" />

* [[Kat Dennings]] as [[Darcy Lewis]]: <br />A political science major who is Jane Foster's intern.<ref name="darcy" /> Dennings described her character as Foster's "little helper [[gnome]]".<ref name="comiccon" /> Dennings stated that her role was expanded during the rehearsal process.<ref name="Murray" /> Dennings explained, "She's kind of like a cute, clueless, little puppy or maybe a hamster. There wasn't much on the page for the Darcy role to begin with and I didn't even see a script before I took the job so I didn't really know who Darcy was at first. But she really evolved—she's so much fun now even. She's very [[Scooby-Doo]] if that makes sense. She's always three steps behind and reacting to what's happening with these great expressions ... She gets things wrong and doesn't care."<ref name="Boucher2" />

* [[Colm Feore]] as [[Laufey (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Laufey]]: <br />King of the [[Frost Giants (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Frost Giants]] and Loki's biological father, based on the mythological being [[Laufey (mythology)|of the same name]], who in myth was actually Loki's mother.<ref name="feoreaudio" /> Feore stated it took five hours for his makeup to be applied.<ref name="Marnell" /> About his character, Feore remarked, "I am the King of Frost Giants. And if you've seen any of the Frost Giants, you know that I am, of course, the [[Napoleon]] of Frost Giants. We've got some massive, fabulous guys who dwarf me and come in at around eight-and-a-half feet, nine feet. But, no. Can't you tell by the commanding presence? I am the boss".<ref name="feoreaudio" /> He said the Shakespearean training he shared with Hopkins and director Branagh helped keep production moving briskly, saying that "during the breaks, Tony, myself and Ken would be talking in Shakespearean shorthand about what the characters were doing, what we thought they may be like, and how we could focus our attention more intelligently. These were discussions that took no more than a few minutes between takes, but they allowed Ken, Tony and [me] to understand each other instantly without Ken taking an hour away to explain to the actors exactly what was going on. So that was enormously helpful."<ref name="Seeton" />

* [[Ray Stevenson]] as [[Volstagg (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Volstagg]]: <br />A member of the [[Warriors Three (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Warriors Three]], a group of three Asgardian adventurers who are among Thor's closest comrades, known for both his hearty appetite and wide girth.<ref name="three" /> Stevenson previously worked with Kenneth Branagh in the 1998 film ''[[The Theory of Flight]]'', and with Marvel Studios as the titular character in ''[[Punisher: War Zone]]''. Stevenson wore a [[fat suit]] for the role, stating, "I've tried the suit on, and what they've done is kind of sex him up: he's sort of slimmer but rounder.". Stevenson said, "He's got every bit of that [[Falstaff]]ian verve and vigor, and a bit of a beer gut to suggest that enormous appetite, but he's not the sort of [[Weeble]]-shaped figure he is in the comics. He's Falstaff with muscles. I've got this amazing foam-injected undersuit that flexes with me."<ref name="Williams" />

* [[Idris Elba]] as [[Heimdall (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Heimdall]]: <br />The all-seeing, all-hearing Asgardian sentry of the [[Bifrost (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|bifröst bridge]], based on the mythological deity [[Heimdall|of the same name]].<ref name="elba" /> Elba said Branagh's involvement was a major incentive to take the role: "[Branagh] called me up personally and said, 'I know this isn't a big role, but I would really love to see you play it.' It's Kenneth Branagh. I was like, 'Definitely'".<ref name="Bierly" /> About the role Elba remarked, "I did green screen for the first time! I wouldn't like to do a whole movie of green screen, though. You kind of forget the plot a little—like being in a Broadway play and doing it over and over and forgetting your line halfway through".<ref name="Gornstein" /> Elba stated he has made a four-picture commitment with Marvel Studios.<ref name="Truitt" /> Elba's casting prompted a proposed boycott by the [[Council of Conservative Citizens]] and a debate amongst comic book fans, some insisting it was wrong for a black man to play a Nordic god. In response Elba called the debate "ridiculous".<ref name="Belonsky" /><ref name="McClintock" /><ref name="Child" />

* [[Jaimie Alexander]] as [[Sif (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Sif]]: <br />A warrior and Thor's childhood friend, based on the mythological deity [[Sif|of the same name]]. Alexander was best known for her portrayal of [[List of Kyle XY characters#Main characters|Jessi XX]] on the [[Freeform (TV channel)|ABC Family]] series ''[[Kyle XY]]''.<ref name="alexander" /> Alexander said that she was familiar with Marvel Comics before having taken the part, having grown up with four brothers.<ref name="Huzer" /> Alexander said the part required hours a day in the gym, though training is not unfamiliar to her, explaining she was one of few girls on her [[Colleyville, Texas]], high-school wrestling team.<ref name="Martin" /> Alexander described her character as "one of the guys" and that, "She's a very talented, skilled warrior and can stand on her own against any villain in the film". About her relationship with Thor she stated, "She is very loyal to Thor and cares a lot about protecting him and protecting Asgard".<ref name="Filipponi" />

* [[Rene Russo]] as [[Frigga (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Frigga]]: <br />The wife of Odin, queen of Asgard, mother of Thor, and adoptive mother of Loki, based on the mythological deity [[Frigg|of the same name]].<ref name="frigga" /> Russo stated in March 2011 interview that she has signed on for possible sequels, although she stated that "who knows how many I'll do".<ref name="Malkin" />

* [[Anthony Hopkins]] as [[Odin (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Odin]]: <br />The ruler of Asgard, father of Thor, and adoptive father of Loki, based on the mythological deity [[Odin|of the same name]].<ref name="hopkins" /> In an interview Hopkins stated he knew nothing of the comic. About the film he said, "It's a superhero movie, but with a bit of [[Shakespeare]] thrown in".<ref name="Carroll" /> Hopkins stated, "I'm very interested in that relationship between fathers and sons", and that, "My father's relationship with me was cold. He was a hot-blood character but to me, cold. When I was young, he expressed his disappointment because I was bad in school and all of that. He didn't mean any harm, but I felt I could never meet up to his expectations." Hopkins expressed that he found a personal resonance in the Odin role, saying, "He's a stern man. He's a man with purpose. I play the god who banishes his son from the kingdom of Asgard because he screwed up. He's a hot-headed, temperamental young man... probably a chip off of the old block but I decide he's not really ready to rule the future kingdom, so I banish him. I'm harsh and my wife complains and I say, 'That is why I'm king.' He's ruthless, take-it-or-leave-it. Women are much more forgiving; men are not so forgiving. I know in my life, my karma is, 'If you don't like it, tough, move on.' And I move on. I'm a little like Odin myself".<ref name="Boucher" /> In May 2016, [[Mel Gibson]] stated he was approached about the role but "didn't do it".<ref name="MelGibson" />

[[Sam Raimi]] originally envisioned the idea for ''Thor'' after making ''[[Darkman]]'' (1990); he met Thor co-creator [[Stan Lee]] and pitched the concept to [[20th Century Fox]], but they rejecteddid itnot asunderstand they felt that comic books don't make good moviesit.<ref name="Goldsmith" /><ref>https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/stan-lee-wasnt-going-get-spider-man-cameo-director-reveals-1161054/</ref> ''Thor'' was abandoned until April 1997, when [[Marvel Studios]] was beginning to expand rapidly.<ref name="Fleming" /> The film gained momentum after the success of ''[[X-Men (film)|X-Men]]'' (2000). The plan was for ''Thor'' to be made for television. [[UPN]] was in talks for airing it; excited by the prospect, they pushed for a script and approached [[Tyler Mane]] to play Thor.<ref name="Lethert" /> In May 2000, Marvel Studios brought [[Artisan Entertainment]] to help finance it as a film, but by June 2004 the project still had yet to be patronized by a studio.<ref name="Fleming2" /><ref name="Fleming3" /><ref name="Brodesser" /> [[Sony Pictures Entertainment]] finally purchased the film rights, and in December 2004 [[David S. Goyer]] was in negotiations to write and direct.<ref name="Stax" /> By 2005, though there were talks between Goyer and Marvel, Goyer was no longer interested, though at this point the film was still set to be distributed through Sony Pictures.<ref name="IGN" />

[[Mark Protosevich]], a fan of the ''Thor'' comic book, agreed to write the script in April 2006, and the project moved to [[Paramount Pictures]], after it acquired the rights from Sony.<ref name="budget" /> That year the film was announced to be a Marvel Studios production.<ref name="Carle" /> In December 2007, Protosevich described his plans for it "to be like a [[superhero]] [[origin story]], but not one about a human gaining super powers, but of a god realizing his true potential. It's the story of an [[Old Testament]] god who becomes a [[New Testament]] god".<ref name="Mark" /> Protosevich's script saw Odin banishing Thor to Earth in the Middle Ages, where he becomes enslaved by Norsemen before being rescued by Lady Sif and the Warriors Three.<ref name="MCUReignOfMarvelStudios" />{{rp|148}} In August 2007, Marvel Studios signed [[Matthew Vaughn]] to direct the film.<ref name="Fleming4" /> Vaughn then rewrote Protosevich's script in order to bring down the budget to $150 million, as Protosevich's first draft would have cost $300 million to produce.<ref name="rewrite" /> After the success of ''[[Iron Man (2008 film)|Iron Man]]'', Marvel Studios announced that they intended to release ''Thor'' on June 4, 2010, with ''[[Iron Man 2]]'' being used to introduce the character of Thor.<ref name="EW" />

{{quote box|align=left|width=33%|quote="Thor, at his best, has always had a classic bent in terms of his history, the way he speaks and the often Shakespearean dramas that surround him. That kind of dialogue and character needs someone who comes from a classically trained background in order for it not to sound forced or artificial. Branagh is the perfect choice." | TotalFilm.com ."|source=—J. Michael Straczynski, co-writer of ''Thor'', on Kenneth Branagh<ref name="Total Film" />}}

Vaughn was released when his holding deal expired in May 2008, at which point Marvel set Protosevich to work on a new draft and began searching for a new director.<ref name="Davis" /> Marvel Studios also approached [[J. Michael Straczynski]] to work on an outline.<ref name="MCUReignOfMarvelStudios" />{{rp|148}} [[Guillermo del Toro]] entered talks to direct the film. Del Toro was a fan of [[Jack Kirby]]'s work on the comics, and said that he loved the character of Loki, but wished to incorporate more of the original [[Norse mythology]] into the film,<ref name="Marshall5" /> including a "really dingy [[Valhalla]], [with] [[Viking]]s and mud".<ref name="BrentJS" /> However, del Toro ultimately turned down ''Thor'' to direct ''[[The Hobbit (film series)|The Hobbit]]''. By September 2008, [[D. J. Caruso]] had been discussing taking on the project, though he did not read the script.<ref name="Sanchez" /> Later that month, [[Kenneth Branagh]] entered into negotiations to direct,<ref name="Fleming5" /> and by December 2008, Branagh confirmed that he had been hired. He described it as "a human story right in the center of a big epic scenario."<ref name="Branagh" /> Branagh stated that he hoped to begin filming in January 2010,<ref name="Wigler2" /> and Marvel Studios set back the release date of the film from its scheduled July 16, 2010 date to June 17, 2011, almost a full year later.<ref name="Marshall" /> They later moved the release date to May 20, 2011, to distance the film's release from that of ''[[Captain America: The First Avenger]]'', another Marvel Studios film that was scheduled to be released on July 22, 2011.<ref name="may20" /> In October 2008,while [[Daniel Craig]] was offered the leading role, but ultimately turned it down, citing his commitments to the [[James Bond in film|''James Bond'' franchise]].<ref name="Craig" />

In MayJuly 2009, [[Chris Hemsworth]] was in negotiations to portray the title role after a back-and-forth process in which the 25-year-old actor was refused early on, then given a second chance to read for the part. Hemsworth's brother, [[Liam Hemsworth|Liam]] also auditioned for the role, but was passed on by Marvel Studiosannounced headthat [[KevinNatalie FeigePortman]].<ref name="hemsworth"would />portray [[JoshJane Hartnett]], [[Kevin McKidd]], and [[Triple H]] were also considered for the role, while [[Charlie Hunnam]], [[Alexander Skarsgård]], and [[Joel Kinnaman]] were testedFoster.<ref name="ConsideredActorsportman" /><ref name="hemsworth"Branaugh />was [[Alan Ritchson]] auditioned, but lost the part after he faileddrawn to take the castingintelligence processPortman seriously.<ref name="ritchson" /> The next day, Marvel announced that [[Tom Hiddleston]], who had worked with Branagh before and had initially been consideredbrought to portray the lead role, hadwhile beenStenz castfelt asthat Loki.<ref name="hiddleston"pretty />much Inevery Junenotable 2009,Hollywood Feigeactress confirmed that both Hemsworth and Hiddleston had signed on.<ref name="feigehemsworth" /> Feige mentioned thatbetween the filmages wouldof take place on both modern day Earthtwenty-five and Asgard but Thor's human host, Dr. Donald Blake, would not be included.<ref name="feigehemsworththirty" />were Inseen Julyfor 2009,the Marvel announced that [[Natalie Portman]] would portray Jane Fosterpart.<ref name="portmanMCUReignVFExcerpt" /> [[Jaimie Alexander]] and [[Colm Feore]] were reported to have joined the cast in September, with Alexander portraying [[Sif (Marvel Comics)|Sif]] and Feore's role unrevealed, though it was thought to be a villain.<ref name="alexander" /> In an interview with Swedish news site ''Ystads Allehanda'', [[Stellan Skarsgård]] stated that he had joined the cast, though he did not specify his role.<ref name="skarsgard" /> By late October [[Anthony Hopkins]] had been cast as [[Odin (Marvel Comics)|Odin]] in the film.<ref name="hopkins" /> The following month, Marvel announced that they had cast the Warriors Three; Fandral was to be played by [[Stuart Townsend]], Hogun was to be played by [[Tadanobu Asano]] and Volstagg was to be played by [[Ray Stevenson (actor)|Ray Stevenson]].<ref name="three" /> [[Idris Elba]] was announced to have joined the cast, portraying Heimdall.<ref name="elba" /> Natalie Portman revealed that [[Kat Dennings]] would be involved in the project, portraying Darcy, a coworker of Portman's Jane Foster.<ref name="darcy" /><ref name="kat" /> Feige was inspired by ''[[The Godfather]]'' (1972) since like ''Thor'', that film is about "fathers and sons, and it’s about the actions that a father takes that his sons will have to answer for".<ref name="MCUReignVFExcerpt" />

By April, the prospect for filming parts of ''Thor'' in [[Del Mar, California]] had fallen through. Paramount Pictures sent a letter informing the city that it has instead chosen an undisclosed [[Northern California]] location to film a beachfront scene for the film. The letter cited cost concerns with moving production too far away from its headquarters.<ref name="Horn" /> In April 2010, Jackson stated he would not be appearing in ''Thor'', despite the claims he would with his nine-picture deal;<ref name="Yamato" /> however, later in the month he said he would be filming a scene for ''Thor'' to serve as "connective tissue" for ''The Avengers''.<ref name="Davis2" /> During filming, Marvel Studios enlisted the help of the writers it had in its in-house writers program, including [[Christopher Yost]] and [[Nicole Perlman]], for uncredited on-set rewrites. Perlman worked on enhancing Jane Foster's role in the film in addition to some material with Odin and Thor in the New Mexico town, while Yost, along with ''The Avengers'' writer and director [[Joss Whedon]], wrote material for [[Jeremy Renner]]'s cameo as [[Hawkeye (Clint Barton)|Clint Barton / Hawkeye]]. Renner's cameo was filmed in a parking lot behind a grocery store.<ref name="MCUReignOfMarvelStudios" />{{rp|173–174}} Filming wrapped on May 6, 2010.<ref name="huver" />

In July 2010, Marvel Studios held a ''Thor'' panel at the 2010 [[San Diego Comic-Con International]] during which Kenneth Branagh, Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Kat Dennings, Tom Hiddleston, and Clark Gregg discussed the film and showed some clips from it.<ref name="comiccon" /> A few days later, this footage was leaked on the internet.<ref name="Fleming6" /> The first television advertisement was broadcast during [[Super Bowl XLV]] on the [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] network in the United States. The rate for advertising during the game was approximately $3 million per 30-second spot.<ref name="McClintock2" /> Marvel Studios and [[Acura]] launched a joint [[viral marketing]] promotion at the 2011 [[Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo]].<ref name="Honda" /> Other official promotional partners included [[Burger King]], [[Dr. Pepper]], [[7 Eleven]], and [[Visa Inc.|Visa]].<ref name="Graser" /> In May 2011 [[Marvel Entertainment]]'s President of Print, Animation and Digital, [[Dan Buckley]], and Marvel Comics Editor-In-Chief, [[Axel Alonso]], rang the [[NYSE]] closing bell in celebration of the theatrical release of ''Thor''.<ref name="NYSE" />

<ref name="Warmoth">{{Cite news |last=Warmoth |first=Brian |date=August 23, 2010 |title=Chris Hemsworth Reveals Mike Tyson's Contribution To 'Thor' |publisher=[[MTV News]] |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2597195/chris-hemsworth-mike-tyson-thor/ |url-status=livedead |access-date=August 24, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101224174325/http://splashpage.mtv.com/2010/08/23/chris-hemsworth-mike-tyson-thor/ |archive-date=December 24, 2010}}</ref>

<ref name="hopkins">{{Cite news |last=Fleming |first=Michael |date=October 30, 2009 |title=Anthony Hopkins cast in 'Thor' |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1118010609.html?categoryid=13&cs=1&nid=2562 |url-status=live |access-date=October 31, 2009 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210701172132/https://www.webcitation.org/5zva7Vxbn?url=http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118010609.html?categoryid%3Fcategoryid=13 |archive-date=July 41, 20112021}}</ref>

<ref name="Carroll">{{Cite news |last=Carroll |first=Larry |date=February 9, 2010 |title=EXCLUSIVE: Anthony Hopkins Talks 'Thor,' Says Thou Shalt Not Hear Shakespearean Talk |work=MTV News |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2596022/exclusive-anthony-hopkins-talks-thor-says-thou-shalt-not-hear-shakespearean-talk/ |url-status=livedead |access-date=February 15, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110911110726/http://splashpage.mtv.com/2010/02/09/exclusive-anthony-hopkins-talks-thor-says-thou-shalt-not-hear-shakespearean-talk/ |archive-date=September 11, 2011}}</ref>

<ref name="Wigler">{{Cite news |last=Wigler |first=Josh |date=December 30, 2010 |title=Stellan Skarsgard Describes 'Thor' Filming |work=[[MTV News]] |url=http://splashpage.mtv.com/2010/12/30/stellan-skarsgard-thor-movie/ |url-status=livedead |access-date=October 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207083948/http://www.mtv.com/news/movies//2010/12/30/stellan-skarsgard-thor-movie/ |archive-date=December 7, 2020}}</ref>

<ref name="Marnell">{{Cite news |last=Marnell |first=Blair |date=May 11, 2010 |title=Colm Feore's Mysterious 'Thor' Role Required 'Five Hours' of Makeup |work=[[MTV News]] |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2596702/colm-feore-thor-role/ |url-status=livedead |access-date=May 10, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809000150/http://www.mtv.com/news/2596702/colm-feore-thor-role/ |archive-date=August 9, 2020}}</ref>

<ref name="coulson">{{Cite news |last=Graser |first=Marc |date=January 18, 2010 |title=Gregg pulls double duty |work=Variety |url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1118013952.html?categoryid=13&cs=1&nid=2562 |url-status=live |access-date=January 18, 2010 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210708171015/https://www.webcitation.org/5zxBrZ29N?url=http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118013952.html?categoryid%3Fcategoryid=13 |archive-date=July 58, 20112021}}</ref>

<ref name="rennercameo">{{Cite news |last=Arrant |first=Chris |date=March 30, 2011 |title=Hawkeye Confirmed For 'Thor' Cameo, Details of Hulk's 'Avengers' Role Revealed |work=[[MTV News]] |url=http://splashpage.mtv.com/2011/03/30/hawkeye-thor-cameo-hulk-avengers/ |url-status=livedead |access-date=October 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180817092352/http://splashpage.mtv.com/2011/03/30/hawkeye-thor-cameo-hulk-avengers/ |archive-date=August 17, 2018}}</ref>

<ref name="Marshall5">{{Cite web |last=Marshall, Rick |date=June 11, 2009 |title=Guillermo Del Toro Explains How Close He Came To Directing 'Thor' |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2594402/guillermo-del-toro-explains-how-close-he-came-to-directing-thor/ |url-status=livedead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805071852/http://www.mtv.com/news/2594402/guillermo-del-toro-explains-how-close-he-came-to-directing-thor/ |archive-date=August 5, 2020 |access-date=May 5, 2012 |publisher=MTV.com}}</ref>

<ref name="Branagh">{{Cite news |last=Horowitz |first=Josh |date=December 13, 2008 |title=EXCLUSIVE: Kenneth Branagh Breaks Silence On 'Thor,' Says Casting Talk Is Premature |publisher=MTV.com |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2593287/exclusive-kenneth-branagh-breaks-silence-on-thor-says-casting-talk-is-premature/ |url-status=livedead |access-date=December 13, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090720024807/http://splashpage.mtv.com/2008/12/13/exclusive-kenneth-branagh-breaks-silence-on-thor-says-casting-talk-is-premature |archive-date=July 20, 2009}}</ref>

<ref name="Wigler2">{{Cite news |last=Wigler |first=Josh |date=May 4, 2009 |title=Kenneth Branagh Says 'Thor' Filming To Begin in January, Hints at Potential Lead |work=MTV Splash Page |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2594134/kenneth-branagh-says-thor-filming-to-begin-in-january-hints-at-potential-lead/ |url-status=livedead |access-date=May 4, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090509084300/http://splashpage.mtv.com/2009/05/04/kenneth-branagh-says-thor-filming-to-begin-in-january-hints-at-potential-lead |archive-date=May 9, 2009}}</ref>

<ref name="Marshall">{{Cite web |last=Marshall |first=Rick |date=March 12, 2009 |title=Marvel Movies Get New Release Dates: 'Thor', 'The Avengers' & 'Captain America' Delayed, 'Iron Man 2' Unchanged |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2593777/marvel-movies-get-new-release-dates-thor-the-avengers-unchanged/ |url-status=livedead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418200234/http://www.mtv.com/news/2593777/marvel-movies-get-new-release-dates-thor-the-avengers-unchanged/ |archive-date=April 18, 2019 |access-date=April 4, 2020 |website=[[MTV News]]}}</ref>

<ref name="Marshall2">{{Cite news |last=Marshall |first=Rick |date=April 28, 2010 |title='Iron Man 2' Post-Credits Scene Revealed! |work=[[MTV News]] |url=http://splashpage.mtv.com/2010/04/28/iron-man-2-post-credits-scene-revealed/ |url-status=livedead |access-date=October 20, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110103054138/http://splashpage.mtv.com/2010/04/28/iron-man-2-post-credits-scene-revealed |archive-date=January 3, 2011}}</ref>

<ref name="Marshall3">{{Cite news |last=Marshall |first=Rick |date=February 8, 2010 |title=New 'Thor: Tales Of Asgard' Trailer |work=MTV Splash Page |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2596019/new-thor-tales-of-asgard-trailer/ |url-status=livedead |access-date=February 8, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110512025254/http://splashpage.mtv.com/2010/02/08/new-thor-tales-of-asgard-trailer |archive-date=May 12, 2011}}</ref>

<ref name="Marshall4">{{Cite web |last=Marshall |first=Rick |date=May 2, 2011 |title=Kenneth Branagh Talks 'Thor' Deleted Scenes And DVD |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2598717/thor-deleted-scenes-kenneth-branagh/ |url-status=livedead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110704105151/http://splashpage.mtv.com/2011/05/02/thor-deleted-scenes-kenneth-branagh/ |archive-date=July 4, 2011 |access-date=July 12, 2011 |website=[[MTV News]]}}</ref>

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