As the head of the Marvel Studios’ head, Kevin Feige is known for making the ultimate decision for the MCU projects. And over the years, he has made several crucial decisions that have led the superhero franchise to become one of the most successful film series. One such decision was made while working on the 2011 film, Thor, which introduced Australian actor Chris Hemsworth as the God of Thunder.
The Thor director Kenneth Branagh wanted an alternate for Mjolnir in Hemsworth’s MCU debut film. However, Marvel head Kevin Feige forbade him from doing so, as he warned him about the potential backlash from devoted Thor fans.
Kevin Feige Denied Following Up With Kenneth Branagh’s Suggestion
A new book, MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios, has revealed details that could have potentially changed a lot about the MCU. It also revealed that the director of the 2011 Marvel film, Thor, Kenneth Branagh, suggested dropping the name of the God of Thunder’s hammer, Mjolnir, for the movie.
One of the screenwriters of the film, Zack Stentz, claimed that “Branagh didn’t like the name Mjölnir because it’s difficult to pronounce.” So, he suggested an alternative for its name based on the metal that it was made of. The 62-year-old filmmaker asked, via Vanity Fair
“Do we have to call the hammer ‘Mjölnir’? I see that it’s made out of some metal called ‘Uru.’ Could we call it Uru instead?”
However, he was also cautious of fans’ disapproval of the same and asked, “Would the fanboys string me up?” Kevin Feige, who was also present at the discussion, assured him that it would be exactly what would happen, saying, “Ken, the fanboys would string you up.” The director took the suggestion and decided not to follow up with it.
Alexander Skarsgård Was Almost Cast as Thor
The book by Dave Gonzales, Gavin Edwards, and Joanna Robinson also reveals that The Northman star Alexander Skarsgård almost landed the role of Thor in the 2011 film. While Chris Hemsworth eventually landed the part and has been playing it for over a decade, he was not even among one of the leading candidates initially.
However, his brother, Liam Hemsworth, did make it to the list. Alexander Skarsgård was known for starring in the drama TV series True Blood as Eric Northman. His role and performance in the show established him as a prominent figure in the industry.
The actor also had the physique and personality to embody the character. However, Chris Hemsworth eventually beat Skarsgård and his brother, Liam Hemsworth, for the role of the God of Thunder. While the Succession actor did not win the part, his father, Stellan Skarsgård, landed the role of Dr. Erik Selvig in the movie.
Thor is available on Disney+.
