Before he wielded Mjölnir on the silver screen, Chris Hemsworth had to prove he was worthy of the mantle of Thor by outshining a pantheon of other contenders for the part in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Chris Hemsworth’s portrayal of Thor began in the eponymous movie released in 2011 and has been a staple character, featuring in several MCU films including the latest, Thor: Love and Thunder in 2022.
Initially, Hemsworth was just one among eleven hopefuls eyeing the hammer and the heroism that came with it. The competition was tough, with some of these competitors being people close to him within the acting community.
One of these competitors, who went toe-to-toe with Hemsworth, not only auditioned for Thor but also joined the MCU cast, debuting in the first Thor film. The would-be Asgardians swapped their everyday attire for superhero garb as they auditioned for the coveted role. Chris openly discussed periods when he was convinced the role would go to another actor, someone with a notable presence in a different blockbuster series.
To unveil the identities of these stars who were in the running to play the God of Thunder, and to peer into an alternate MCU, explore this slideshow revealing all actors who could have been Thor.
FAQ Section
- Who is Chris Hemsworth?
- Chris Hemsworth is an Australian actor best known for portraying the character Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
- What movies has Chris Hemsworth appeared in as Thor?
- Chris Hemsworth has played Thor in several MCU movies including “Thor,” “Thor: The Dark World,” “Thor: Ragnarok,” “Thor: Love and Thunder,” as well as “The Avengers” series.
- Why did Chris Hemsworth think he would not get the part of Thor?
- Chris Hemsworth has mentioned there were times when he thought the part might go to another actor who was a star of another successful franchise.
- Did any of the other contenders for Thor make it into the MCU?
- Yes, one of the contenders not only auditioned for Thor but also made his own MCU debut in the first film of the series.
Conclusion
Few could have predicted the extraordinary journey Chris Hemsworth would embark on as Thor when he first auditioned for the role. Stepping into the shoes of a deity, he not only had to impress the casting directors but outshine a host of other talented actors who had their eyes on Asgard’s throne. Hemsworth’s evolution as Thor is a testament to his talent and his ability to rise to the occasion amidst formidable competition. Taking an intriguing look at the “what-ifs,” one can only wonder how the MCU would have shaped up if a different actor had been chosen to portray the God of Thunder.