Brian Blessed is Odin?

[Leto]

http://www.bleedingcool.com/2009/06/02/brian-blessed-cast-in-thor-movie/

Submitted by Rich Johnston on June 2, 2009 – 5:43 am

I understand that British actor Brian Blessed has been cast in Kenneth Branagh’s THOR movie, based on the Marvel Comics title, as the character Odin.

Blessed is best known for his roles as Caesar Augustus in I CLAUDIUS and King Of The Hawk Men in FLASH GORDON as well as being a charity campaigner and mountaineer.

He has appeared in a number of Kenneth Branagh productions, including HAMLET and AS YOU LIKE IT, famed for his booming voice.

Odin is the father of Thor and his half-brother Loki, and is the All-Father of Valhalla, the Norse afterlife. Watch the following clips and see if you think he’d be suitable…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhsY5XEqTWY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1gwVIhJ8II

I hope this is true.

[Vartha]

I HOPE this is true. I can see Brian as Odin.

[FaT_tONle]

Branagh is REALLY reaching on this one alright...

[Changeling]

YES! Please! Yes!!!! OMG, YES!!!!

[Lobo]

This would be awesome! It's my dream choice come true if this is accurate :D

[Figs]

LOL

I knew this guy looked familiar. Played Robin Hoods Dad in the Kevin Costner version.

[Project862006]

he is perfect the voice is so perfect

[FlawlessVictory]

His voice:

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u102/FlawlessVictory_photos/bossnass.jpg

[batman44]

I hope this true.

So far Thor is looking to be really good.

[Chewy]

Good lord, yes :)

[louiebling$]

God I hope this is tue :up: This will make up for not getting The Skars :)

[Canis Sapiens]

Is this bleedingcool.com reliable? Didn't see any confirmation in any other site... I just hope Blessed gets the role!

[Keyser Soze]

Is this bleedingcool.com reliable? Didn't see any confirmation in any other site... I just hope Blessed gets the role!

From what I know, BleedingCool is a new site. Rich Johnston is a ongtime comic-book scooper Rich Johnston had one of the oldest, most credible comic rumor columns on the internet over on Comic Book Resources, and BleedingCool is his attempt to branch out and launch his own news site.

[Leto]

Is this bleedingcool.com reliable? Didn't see any confirmation in any other site... I just hope Blessed gets the role!

http://www.slashfilm.com/2009/06/02/brian-blessed-cast-as-odin-in-thor/

I'd believe 'em.

[Canis Sapiens]

Just saw it on CHUD:

http://chud.com/articles/articles/19705/1/BLESSED-BE-ODIN/Page1.html

[Canis Sapiens]

Problem is, they're all just echoing bleedingcool's article. I'll wait for a while before start celebrating! :word:

[Lobo]

From what I know, BleedingCool is a new site. Rich Johnston is a ongtime comic-book scooper Rich Johnston had one of the oldest, most credible comic rumor columns on the internet over on Comic Book Resources, and BleedingCool is his attempt to branch out and launch his own news site.

^that.

[Canis Sapiens]

From what I know, BleedingCool is a new site. Rich Johnston is a ongtime comic-book scooper Rich Johnston had one of the oldest, most credible comic rumor columns on the internet over on Comic Book Resources, and BleedingCool is his attempt to branch out and launch his own news site.

Oh, I missed your post, Keyser. So... can we pop the champagne yet? :woot:

[Chewy]

Not quite yet. I'd get the champagne ready, though

[Canis Sapiens]

It's in the fridge. :oldrazz:

[Sawyer]

I have no idea who he is. :)

EDIT: Nevermind, I just saw Branagh's Hamlet, so thats one thing I've seen him in.

[Leto]

I have no idea who he is. :)

I'm told he's like William Shatner except he can act better and isn't a bloated glory hog.

So he's not very much like Shatner at all.

[Chewy]

Edit

[Lobo]

^You might want to remove that. The cursing in it will get you an infraction

[Chewy]

Really? All he says is s***.

Oh, well, just search Brian Blessed on YouTube and it pops right up :)

[Lobo]

I know, but if you can't type ****. you can't post video or pics with it uncensored

[RachelDawes]

So I guess we're not getting a big name for Odin then. We'll need a huge actress for Sif.

[Project862006]

doubt that spiderman really didn't have big stars other than William dafoe

[WillardNation]

I'm not real familiar with him but from what I see of him and what all you are saying, he looks to be just about perfect.

[Lobo]

He is, youtube him, he's good actor and absolute perfect voice for Odin

[Keyser Soze]

So I guess we're not getting a big name for Odin then. We'll need a huge actress for Sif.

Brian Blessed is a big name to me. I've known him since I was a little boy sitting in front of the TV singing "Flash! AAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

[Vartha]

heh KS it's more like, "THOR AAAaahh" lol GOD I hope it won't be that hokey. lol

[FaT_tONle]

So I guess we're not getting a big name for Odin then. We'll need a huge actress for Sif.

Maybe at this point the big name just isn't coming... at least not for the lead roles in my opinion. Do we really need a domineering actress that takes all that media attention and tabloid stuff ala Katie Holmes? Just saying... you can't have a huge female lead at this point.

[Sawyer]

Maybe this'll be Marvel's version of Lord of the Rings. Just a big ****ing epic with only a few moderately known actors, mainly from English theatre.

[Lighthouse]

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j6/Lighthouse27/flash5eb9.jpg
"Thor is alive?

God almighty, please let this be true.

[RachelDawes]

Maybe this'll be Marvel's version of Lord of the Rings. Just a big ****ing epic with only a few moderately known actors, mainly from English theatre.

I wish Thor was as well-known and loved as LOTR, then I wouldn't feel so worried about this approach.

[Chewy]

One of the writers (Zack Stentz) commented on the story over here (http://io9.com/5276266/brian-blessed-to-bring-booming-voice-brian-blessed+ness-to-thors-odin.) and didn't refute it

*pleaseletitbetruepleaseletitbetrue*

[Philly Phanboy]

Didn't know Blessed was only 5'9. He'd better get some Tom Cruise lifts. :woot::up:

[RachelDawes]

Maybe at this point the big name just isn't coming... at least not for the lead roles in my opinion. Do we really need a domineering actress that takes all that media attention and tabloid stuff ala Katie Holmes? Just saying... you can't have a huge female lead at this point.

*shudders*

[Raivynn]

By the looks of things I'm the only one not overly excited by this prospect.
If it's true, I'll support it obviously but he's just not what I think of when I think the All-Father.

[Spider-ManHero12]

My god, I hope this is true! He's a PERFECT choice. :up:

[TheCorpulent1]

I'd love to see Brian Blessed as Odin. :up:

[Canis Sapiens]

So, I've got some good news for ya, Corp! :woot:

Via Comic book resources:

Confirmed! We got an email from Scott Knowles, who wrote, "Brian Blessed was a speaker recently at a business event in the UK I attended (The Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards in Derby) and when asked of his future endeavours mentioned that he would be playing Odin in Marvel's 'Thor' movie directed by his pal, 'Kenny.'" Thanks for the tip!


Source: http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=21466


So... let's pop the champagne!:word:

[Chewy]

:D:up:

[TheCorpulent1]

Sweet. :up:

[Vartha]

Nice

[Mister Sinister]

I don't know, I mean I love Brian, but I think he's better suited to comedy.

[Keyser Soze]

I don't know, I mean I love Brian, but I think he's better suited to comedy.

This brings up a point. Kevin Feige confirms Brian Blessed will be involved with the movie, but says it's not necessarily in the role we think. What if, rather than playing Odin, Brian Blessed is on board as Volstagg?

[Lobo]

^I'd be cool with that, too.

[TheCorpulent1]

I'd be cool with either. He might suit Volstagg better, though.

[Antonello Blueberry]

This brings up a point. Kevin Feige confirms Brian Blessed will be involved with the movie, but says it's not necessarily in the role we think. What if, rather than playing Odin, Brian Blessed is on board as Volstagg?
I thought they were looking for someone younger (and taller) as Volstagg.
Feige probably didn't want to confirm as they still haven't signed the contract.

[Obi-Ron]

Kevin Feige confirms Brian Blessed will be involved with the movie, but says it's not necessarily in the role we think.

Source?

[Keyser Soze]

The interview was taken down from the page, due to being posted too early, but it was there, as the other thread will attest to.

http://movieblog.ugo.com/movies/

Q: Can you address some of the Thor casting rumors: Brian Blessed as Odin and Natalie Portman as the love interest?

Feige: Well, there's truth that we think that Natalie would be great for the love interest. There's truth in that Ken has had a long relationship with Brian Blessed. In terms of those particular roles, not necessarily.

[TheCorpulent1]

Meh to Portman. Sounds like Blessed could be Volstagg after all.

[FaT_tONle]

I still say Odiin... the execs usually come out with a contrary report a week later to keep people guessing. I mean if that scoop earlier was correct... Blessed said he was playing Odiin. You guys really think Marvel told him to lie if he was asked that by somebody?

[Obi-Ron]

We'll see...Blessed was my Odin pick months ago, I'll be beyond psyched if it works out that way.

This is a much more encouraging casting rumor than that Will Smith for Cap nonsense.

[Chewy]

The interview should be back up soon... the embargo on it breaks at Noon PST, apparently

[Keyser Soze]

May I also add that Brian Blessed was the best Have I Got News For You host EVER:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JlkSs3Jutw

[Chewy]

His story about the dump on Mount Everest was legendary

[Keyser Soze]

His story about the dump on Mount Everest was legendary

I laughed until my sides hurt. It's a crime they didn't include that in the "best bits" video posted above.

[Mister Sinister]

May I also add that Brian Blessed was the best Have I Got News For You host EVER:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JlkSs3Jutw

"This is Osama Bin Laden's son...Dave"

[DarthDaveBanner]

Aw man Blessed as Odin is Patrick-Stewart-as-Xavier-level-perfect.

Hope its true.

[chamber-music]

Brian Blessed. King Of Hawk Men. Best Friend Of Patrick Stewart. Lungs Double The Size Of The Average Man and National Treasure.

[General Fury]

Sounds Fantastic to me.

[chiefchirpa]

If "Hannibal Lecter" becomes Odin, is that good enough? Bigger name than Brian Blessed for sure.

[Antonello Blueberry]

Hopkins? I won't complain.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v340/Antoblueberry/beowulf-anthony-hopkins1.jpg

[Obi-Ron]

If "Hannibal Lecter" becomes Odin, is that good enough? Bigger name than Brian Blessed for sure.

Brian Blessed is about a million times more suitable for the role.

[NEXUS 6]

Boss Nass voice+BA Vikingness+God Powers+Gray Gimli-style beard=Odin. I'm stoked beyond words.

[Carlo Comicus]

Hopkins? I won't complain.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v340/Antoblueberry/beowulf-anthony-hopkins1.jpg

uhm...:huh:

[Obi-Ron]

Boss Nass voice+BA Vikingness+God Powers+Gray Gimli-style beard=Odin. I'm stoked beyond words.

There should be some "Prince Vultan" from Flash Gordon in that equation for maximum awesome.

[UnionJack]

I for one can't wait to hear Mr Blessed BOOOM his voice over Thor and the others :D

He is a funny man and always pulls off a good job.

[Dr Lee]

If Blessed is in... this conffirms my ticket......

[MAN-BRUTE]

Brian Blessed does sound like a good choice for Odin to me, as long as he doesn`t ham it up too much. I can see it though.
I always used to think Ernest Borgnine would`ve made a good Odin, after watching him in the Vikings as Ragnar. Anybody else agree?

[NewAvenger4]

is this confirmed?

[Canis Sapiens]

Not yet... unfortunately...

[Iron Fist]

If it's true, great choice for Odin. :up::up:

[Changeling]

I hope its true

[blamerandy]

its been rumored frickin long enough. by the time the official news release comes out it will be Marvels worst kept secret.

[TheCorpulent1]

Unless it's not true, in which case it will be Marvel's best red herring. ;)

[Webhead2006]

very possible, but hopefully its confirmed. They have to at least have the full cast by now. If filming is indeed to start in jan. So everyone has a few months to read the scripts, costume fitting, sfx tests, training for fight/stunt scenes, etc...... That stuff you do need at least a good 2-3 months before filming to be good.

[Chewy]

very possible, but hopefully its confirmed. They have to at least have the full cast by now. If filming is indeed to start in jan. So everyone has a few months to read the scripts, costume fitting, sfx tests, training for fight/stunt scenes, etc...... That stuff you do need at least a good 2-3 months before filming to be good.
That's not true. Not at all. Only the leads will need anywhere near a few months to prep.

[Webhead2006]

i was just being in general for these types of films you always heard in behind the scenes stuff that training/testing for this or that is usually something they do a couple of months before filming officially starts.

[Chewy]

Even in general terms, that's not true. Only the leads need to spend months on films like this in preproduction. The entire cast will not be assembled for at least a few more weeks.

[SpiderByte]

http://www.thenewyorkcitytraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/new-museum-of-contemporary-art-hell-yes.jpg

[daderade]

hmmm...Brian is only 5'9, so he is too short for Odin, and (too old also) for Volstagg. I seriously think Stellan is going to be Odin. Not sure how or if Brian is going to fit in. I do hope he is in the movie in some capacity. Probably voice acting for some character.

[Webhead2006]

whats wrong with brian only being 5'9? is odin if he is/was to be odin very tall character?

[TheCorpulent1]

Odin's about the same height as Thor in the comics. Sometimes a little taller. But it doesn't really matter how tall Odin is. He's not a very physical character except in a few extreme cases. He could spend the whole movie sitting atop a 10-foot throne and it wouldn't be out of character in the least.

That said, I do like Stellan Skarsgard more for Odin and Brian Blessed more for Volstagg the more I think about it. Blessed's loud, boisterous voice would work great with Volstagg's personality, and Skarsgard has an undeniably powerful presence that would suit Odin. It doesn't matter how old Blessed is, either; Volstagg's almost as old as Odin himself in the comics.

[Webhead2006]

well we will likely know soon.

[daderade]

i hope so. if Skarsgard ends up as Odin, this movie will be perfect(and to all those Hemsworth haters....i say to thee NAY!)

[daderade]

upon reflection, i now believe that Blessed WILL be Odin....my reason...because Stellan Skarsgard is probably going to be Heimdall!!! he has that fierce, yet eerieness about him. and like Corp said, it really doesnt matter how tall he is.

[Changeling]

It shouldve been Alexander Skarsgard and Stellan as Thor and Odin :(

[Project862006]

hemsworth must of impressed Marvel if Alex auditioned and they picked hemsworth over him

[Triad]

Let's hope it pays off.

[daderade]

Alexander Skarsgard is taller than Hemsworth for sure, but he has a much smaller frame. I am actually MORE confident with Hemsworth as Thor than Skarsgard. Hemsworth is also not a terrible actor, and I do believe that he will pull this off. In fact, he may actually be one of the best cast Marvel Heroes so far.

[Obi-Ron]

Anthony Hopkins for Odin?

Really?

L A M E. Stunt casting on a par with Alba for Sue Storm.

Hopefully our boy Brian is still involved. (Volstagg maybe?)

[Captain Marvel]

Comparing Anthony Hopkins to Jessica Alba? You don't think that's a bit uncalled for? :P Hopkins is a good actor, and will make a great Odin.

As for Blessed, I always thought he'd be a better Volstagg.

[Aeltri]

Anthony Hopkins for Odin?

Really?

L A M E. Stunt casting on a par with Alba for Sue Storm.

Hopefully our boy Brian is still involved. (Volstagg maybe?)

As far as "let's see how many famous people we can get."? Yes, even though I wouldn't put them in the same tier it's nice to see that I am not the only one who isn't jumping for joy.

[Dog Brother #1]

I have yet to be disapointed in this movie. Blessed for Volstag would be on par with Davies as Gimli.

[Webhead2006]

i dont think its lame or stunt casting. Kenneth is a great director and hopkins probably liked what he saw in the script and decided to sign on. As for blessed i wonder if he is still invovled.

[Obi-Ron]

Oh, I'm sure Hopkins will do a fine job, I'm just grumbling 'cause my choice didn't work out.

[Sawyer]

Anthony Hopkins for Odin?

Really?

L A M E. Stunt casting on a par with Alba for Sue Storm.

Hopefully our boy Brian is still involved. (Volstagg maybe?)

Congrats. Thats the stupidest thing I've ever seen anyone post here. :dry::up:

[Aeltri]

Hey, just because someone doesn't agree with a particular casting choice doesn't mean that person is an idiot. It's a bit of a blanket statement, but still. Let's keep it civil people :nono:.

[Sawyer]

Hey, just because someone doesn't agree with a particular casting choice doesn't make them idiots. It's a bit of a blanket statement, but still. Let's keep it civil people...

I didnt say they were an idiot. I said that what they said was stupid and it was. :o Alba is one of the very worst actresses working today and did a horrible job as Sue. Hopkins is fantastic and I'm sure he'll do a fine job as Odin.

[Iron Fist]

I didnt say they were an idiot. I said that what they said was stupid and it was. :o Alba is one of the very worst actresses working today and did a horrible job as Sue. Hopkins is fantastic and I'm sure he'll do a fine job as Odin.

This.

[hugekent]

Blessed as Volstagg is way better in my opinion. Skaarsgard was my prefered Odin out of those already cast, but Hopkins is fine by me.

[Webhead2006]

well we still dont know for sure if blessed is in the film still or what role skaarsgard was cast in yet.

Though this thread needs to be retitled.

[Anubis]

Blessed would be a better Volstagg. He's too happy looking to be Odin.

[chamber-music]

I love Brian Blessed his just so damn crazy its awesome! :woot:

This is what comedian/actor Jack Dee said about him in an interview with the Metro newspaper

Who is the rudest celebrity you have met?

It's unusual to meet a wilfully rude celebrity, they'd know I'd mention it. There are some bonkers ones, like Brian Blessed, who is lovely but mad. I was filming in Epping Forest and he turned up, got out of the car, gave me a hug and said: 'Jack, great to meet you! Look at these beautiful trees! I have to meet these trees!' Then he disappeared into the forest for two hours. He eventually came back as if it was all perfectly normal and said: 'I gave a tree a big hug.'

[DarthDaveBanner]

I'm pretty sure Blessed is Volstagg......didn't Feige say when asked if Blessed was Odin that he would be in the movie but "not neccessarily in that role"?

[Obi-Ron]

I remember that...there are a lot of characters he could pull off - Odin, Volstagg, Heimdall...

[Webhead2006]

yea and we still havent heard who clome or elder shaarsgard is yet so who knows what all 3 are (if brian is apart of the cast).

[UnionJack]

:( was really hoping Blessed would be in this film, Hopkins is a good name to tag to the films but in my head I already had Odin cast.

[TheCorpulent1]

Hopkins has officially been cast as Odin, so this thread has sadly outlived its usefulness. May it journey in peace to Valhalla.