Summary
The firstThormovie boasted a star-studded cast, combining revered Hollywood A-listers with burgeoning future stars. Appearing in theMarvel Cinematic UniversePhase 1, 2011’sThorintroduced Chris Hemsworth’s Thor intothe MCU timeline, along with a slew of other beloved characters, including Tom Hiddleston’s Loki and Anthony Hopkins’ Odin. Each cast member has continued to thrive in the industry, working consistently in the years since.
Chris Hemsworth’s Thor quickly became a mainstay in the MCU after his debut inThor(2011), appearing in eachAvengersmovie and garnering an impressive four solo movies - an MCU first. Thor is expected to return inthe MCU’s futureand Hemsworth has expressed an interest in theMCU’sThor 5, should the material evolve the character sufficiently. OtherThorcharacters, however, have been far less lucky, with the majority of them dying inThorsequels or other MCU projects.
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11Chris Hemsworth
Thor
Chris Hemsworth’s portrayal of Thorin the 2011 Marvel film marked a significant breakthrough in his career, establishing him as a prominent actor in Hollywood. His charismatic performance as the Norse god of thundergarnered widespread acclaim and cemented his status within the MCU. Hemsworth’s blend of charm, strength, and vulnerability brought depth to the character, compellingly evolving the character throughout the franchise.
Hemsworth remains a dynamic force in the entertainment industry. In 2023, he starred in and producedExtraction 2, the sequel to his 2020 action thriller. In 2024, Hemsworth stars as Dementus inFuriosa: A Mad Max Saga. This role in the highly anticipated prequel toMad Max: Fury Roadpromises to be another thrilling addition to his diverse filmography. Subsequently, Hemsworth voices Optimus Prime in the animated movieTransformers One.
10Natalie Portman
Jane Foster
Natalie Portman played Jane Foster inThor(2011), a brilliant astrophysicist who becomes Thor’s love interest. Portman’s performancebrought a sense of intellectual charm to the character, making Jane a pivotal part of the story and Thor’s journey on Earth. In 2022, she reprised her role inThor: Love and Thunder, transforming into theMighty Thor and wielding Mjolnir. This role marked a significant evolution for her character and was her final appearance in the MCU.
In 2021, Portman founded her production company, MountainA. Their first project wasMay December, a dark comedy-drama which she starred in and executive produced. In 2024, MountainA produced the miniseriesThe Lady in the Lakefor Apple TV+, in which Portman appeared alongside Julianne Moore.Portman also appears in the animated adaptation of Roald Dahl’sThe Twits, scheduled for release in 2025.
9Tom Hiddleston
Loki
Tom Hiddleston’s performance as Loki inThor(2011) was so triumphant the characterquickly became a franchise mainstay. Portraying the complex and mischievous adopted brother of Thor, Hiddleston’s nuanced performance captured Loki’s internal conflict, charm, and cunning, making him one of the most compelling villains in the MCU. His portrayal was widely acclaimed, earning a two-season miniseries and one of the greatest MCU legacies.
Hiddlestonremains an acting heavyweight, appearing in television series, movies, and theater. In 2024, Hiddleston stars in a cinematic adaptation of the Stephen King novellaThe Life of Chuckwith Mark Hamill and MCU alumni Karen Gillan. In 2022, Hiddleston appeared in Apple TV+’s gothic miniseries,The Essex Serpent, and narrated two of Apple’s wildlife documentaries in 2023 and 2024. In 2023, Hiddleston performed at the National Theatre of Great Britain inPoetry for Every Day of the Yearand has several projects in the works for 2025 and beyond.
8Stellan Skarsgård
Erik Selvig
Stellan Skarsgård played Dr. Erik Selvig inThor(2011), playing a brilliant astrophysicist and mentor to Natalie Portman’s Jane Foster. Skarsgård’s portrayal of Selvigprovided a grounded, intellectual counterbalanceto the film’s mythological elements. His performance was well-received, leading to his continued involvement in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including appearances inThe AvengersandThor: The Dark World.
As a prolific and highly regarded actor, Skarsgård continues to captivate audiences with diverse roles. Since 2022, he starred as Luthen Rael in theStar WarsseriesAndor, a prequel toRogue One. Meanwhile, in 2024, Skarsgård reprised his role as Baron Vladimir Harkonnen inDune: Part Two, following hischilling performance in the first installmentof Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of the iconic sci-fi novel.
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7Kat Dennings
Darcy Lewis
Kat Dennings played the role of Darcy Lewis inThor(2011). She delivered a memorable performance as the quirky and witty political science major who assists Jane Foster and Dr. Erik Selvig. Hercomedic timing and charismatic presence provided much-needed levityamid the film’s more serious moments, making her a standout character.
Dennings reprised her role as Darcy in the MCU’sThor: Love and Thunder,WandaVision, and in the animated seriesWhat If…?for two episodes in 2021 and 2023. Additionally,Dennings voiced Leah Birch in Netflix’s animated comedyBig Mouthfrom 2017 until 2020. Subsequently, Dennings starred in Hulu’s comedy seriesDollface, which aired from 2019-2022. In November 2023, Dennings married musician Andrew W.K., and has no acting credits for 2024.
6Colm Feore
Laufey
Colm Feore played the fearsome King Laufey inThor, the leader of the Frost Giants and Loki’s biological father. His portrayal of Laufey was chilling and authoritative,bringing an especially menacing presenceto the character. Feore’s performance contributed to the tension and dramatic stakes in the film, making Laufey a memorable antagonist from the early Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Colm Feore continues to enjoy a fruitful career in both film and television. He is widely recognized for his role as Sir Reginald Hargreeves in the popular Netflix seriesThe Umbrella Academy, which has been praised for its unique take on the superhero genre. Feore’s portrayal of the eccentric and enigmatic patriarch hasearned him considerable acclaim, with the show’s final season releasing in August 2024.
5Idris Elba
Heimdall
Heimdall, the all-seeing, all-hearing guardian of the Bifröst Bridge was played in the MCU by Idris Elba. Hisstoic and powerful performance brought gravitas and dignityto the character, making Heimdall a key figure in Asgard’s defense. Elba’s Heimdall appeared in eachThormovie and several other MCU projects.
Elba remainsa prominent figure in the entertainment industry, known for his versatility across various genres. In addition to his live-action roles, Elba has ventured into voice acting. He voices Knuckles inSonic the Hedgehog 2(2022). Elba is reprising the role forSonic the Hedgehog 3and a solo miniseries,Knuckles.In 2024, Elba released the song “Knives Down,” featuring UK rapper DB Maz, as a part of his campaign against knife crime in the UK.
4Jaimie Alexander
Lady Sif
Jaimie Alexander portrayed Lady Sif inThor, the fierce and loyal Asgardian warrior. Her portrayal of Sif, a close ally of Thor, was marked by strength, bravery, and a strong sense of duty. Alexander reprised her role as Lady Sif inThor: The Dark WorldandThor: Love and Thunder, where her character met a tragic end,adding a poignant conclusiontoSif’s journey in the MCU.
Outside the Marvel universe, Alexander had a significant role in the NBC crime dramaBlindspotfrom 2015 to 2020. Her performance was central to the show’s success, showcasing her range and depth as an actress. In 2022,Alexander appeared alongside Morgan Freemanin the thrillerThe Minute You Wake Up Dead, further demonstrating her versatility.
3Rene Russo
Figga
Rene Russo played Frigga, the wise and compassionate queen of Asgard, in 2011’sThor. As Thor and Loki’s mother, her character provided the movie’s emotional core and also a regal sensibility. Russo reprised her role inThor: The Dark World, where her character’s tragic death wasa significant moment in Thor’s character arc. She made a surprise return inAvengers: Endgameduring the Time Heist, providing a touching reunion with Thor and offering crucial guidance,
As of 2024,Avengers: Endgamewas Russo’s last acting credit, but she has enjoyed a celebrated career. In 2014, Russo appeared in the critically acclaimedNightcrawler, delivering a powerful performance thatearned her significant praise and accolades. She continued to showcase her versatility in 2019’sVelvet Buzzsaw, where she played a prominent role alongside Jake Gyllenhaal.
2Anthony Hopkins
Odin
Anthony Hopkins memorably played the MCU’s Odinto life inThorand its sequels. Hopkins portrayed the powerful and wise king of Asgard with immense gravitas,anchoring the mythological elements of the story with his commanding presenceand formidable acting legacy. Hopkins' Odin is a figure of authority and compassion, whose decisions and actions significantly impact the film’s narrative and characters' development.
Hopkins has continued to beone of the world’s most celebrated actors. In 2023, he starred inOne Life, a biopic that chronicles the heroic efforts of Sir Nicholas Winton during World War II, andFreud’s Last Session, a drama exploring the imagined meeting between Sigmund Freud and C.S. Lewis. Additionally, Hopkins voices the character Jimmy in Zack Snyder’sRebel Moonmovies, in 2023 and 2024. In 2024, Hopkins also appears in the historical epic seriesThose About To Die.
