Anthony Hopkins was recently heard in the Teaser Trailer of Zack Snyder’s most anticipated Rebel Moon. The veteran actor will be heard as the voice of the robot Jimmy in the Star Wars-esque Snyder drama who also narrated the teaser. While the fans are extremely hyped up and excited to see what unfolds in the upcoming Netflix project, it must be noted that an MCU director is responsible for the inclusion of Anthony Hopkins in Rebel Moon.
The Hannibal Lecter fame played the role of Odin in the MCU. Being introduced in Thor, the actor also appeared in the sequels. Surprisingly, the Marvel film is a major reason why we are still able to spot The Silence of the Lambs star in the movies. There was a time when the 85-year-old didn’t intend to keep acting until the Thor director Kenneth Branagh convinced him otherwise.
How did Kenneth Branagh convince Sir Anthony Hopkins?
Sir Anthony Hopkins is a major name in the world of movies after winning several accolades and being a part of several iconic movies. But the actor did think of leaving the acting space until the filmmaker and Hercule Poirot actor Kenneth Branagh brought him back.
The story was revealed in the book The Story of Marvel Studios which shares countless behind-the-scenes tales like these. It was Branagh’s energy that the veteran actor felt and got back his zeal to be a part of the sport for a bit longer. He praised the Death on the Nile actor (via Comicbook) as an extremely enthusiastic and positive person who changed his career.
“Ken Branagh gave me back the chops to work. I was gonna give it up, really. But, you see, he won’t let you do that. Working with Ken was quite an injection of new energy into my life. He seems to have that same infectious quality on everybody in the crew. His enthusiasm, his attitude, is so positive that he brings out the best in everybody.”
The first Thor movie was both a critical and commercial success. In the same book, Kenneth Branagh also spoke highly about the Oscar-winning actor and admitted that only Sir Hopkins could pull off such a role.
“Anthony [Hopkins] brought a world of depth, intelligence, and feeling to Odin that set up the possibility of a really affecting family drama. He can command, but he can also be very personable. His human qualities kept the dynamic powerful, but not overwrought. He could convey a kingly responsibility and still make you feel that he loved both his errant sons.”
It can’t be denied that a large number of cinema lovers thank Kenneth Branagh’s efforts to not let the magic of Hopkins fade away before time. Anthony Hopkins also went on to bag an Oscar for 2020’s The Father, thus becoming the oldest actor to win the award. Unfortunately, despite such a contribution to his career, Marvel doesn’t hold much respect in Sir Anthony Hopkins’ eyes.
Does Anthony Hopkins hate Marvel?
It is not the first time that a prominent Hollywood celebrity has spoken against superhero ventures. Anthony Hopkins also joined the list during an interview with The New Yorker where he called it pointless to perform in front of green screens.
“If you’re sitting in front of a green screen, it’s pointless acting it. They put me in armour; they shoved a beard on me. Sit on the throne, shout a bit.”
Earlier many important Hollywood legends like Martin Scorsese also spoke against the MCU despite its popularity. Even though Thor brought Sir Anthony Hopkins’ interest back into acting and started a hit streak, it seems like he isn’t a fan of the movies.
With Rebel Moon not very far away, it will be exciting to see how Zack Snyder has used the veteran in the intergalactic drama. As per the Man of Steel director, the character of Jimmy will be a significant part of the plot. The first movie titled Rebel Moon- Part One: A Child of Fire is slated to release in December this year with the sequel Part Two: The Scargiver slated for 2024.
Rebel Moon- Part One: A Child of Fire is scheduled to be released on Netflix on December 22, 2023.
Source: The Story of Marvel Studios (via Comicbook) / The New Yorker
