Report: Chris Hemsworth is 'Thor' and lead in 'Red Dawn'

HitFix confirms actor will star in MGM's reboot of 1984 thriller

By Gregory Ellwood Saturday, May 16, 2009 7:16 PM

Is Chris Hemsworth the new Thor?

Marvel Studios and director Kenneth Branagh may have finally found the son of Odin.

According to a report from Deadline Hollywood Daily, Chris Hemsworth has been cast as the Asgardian god in the potential new franchise "Thor."

Additionally, HitFix can also confirm from a source within MGM/UA that Hemsworth will play the role Jed, originally portrayed by Patrick Swayze, in MGM's reboot of "Red Dawn." Hemsworth is currently shooting the Joss Whedon-produced "The Cabin in the Woods" for the studio.

The 25-year-old Aussie actor is already best known for playing George Kirk, father of James, in J.J. Abrams new vision of "Star Trek." He'll also appear in the thriller "A Perfect Getaway" with Milla Jovovich and Steve Zahn this August. For five years, Hemworth was a regular fixture on the Australian TV drama "Home and Away."

"Thor" is scheduled for release approximately two years from now on May 20, 2011. "The Cabin in the Woods" will hit screens on Feb. 6, 2010. "Red Dawn" is slated for release on Sept. 24, 2010.

What do you think of Hemsworth as the Mighty Thor? Share your thoughts below.

Gregory Ellwood
Editor-in-Chief, Co-Founder

With over a decade of experience in the movie industry, Ellwood survived working for two major studios and has written for Variety, MSN and the LA Times. A co-founder of HitFix, Ellwood spends his time relaxing hitting 3’s on the basketball court and following his beloved Clippers.