Hopkins Joins "Thor"

Anthony Hopkins has been cast in “Thor,” the Marvel Studios production that begins production in January.

Hopkins will play Odin, the king of Asgard and the father of Thor and Loki. Chris Hemsworth is playing Thor, and Tom Hiddelston plays his nemesis, Loki. The pic is directed by Kenneth Branagh.

Natalie Portman is also set to play Thor’s love interest, Jane Foster.

The pic was scripted by Mark Protosevich and Zack Stentz & Ashley Miller. The Mighty Thor is a powerful but arrogant warrior of Asgard, but after his reckless actions reignite an ancient war, his father banishes him to Earth to live among humans. He learns the meaning of heroism when he stands tall as his arch enemy from home sends the darkest forces of Asgard to invade Earth.

Kevin Feige is producing.

Stentz & Miller are "Fringe" writer/producers.

Paramount Pictures will distribute the film May 20, 2011.

Hopkins will next be seen starring with Benicio Del Toro in the Joe Johnston-directed "The Wolfman," which Universal releases next February, and the Woody Allen-directed "You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger." He's repped by UTA.