Anthony Hopkins joins Marvel's 'Thor'

Rex Features

Anthony Hopkins has joined the cast of Marvel Studios’ Thor.

The Oscar-winning actor will play Odin, Thor’s father and king of the mythical Asgard, reports Variety.

Kenneth Branagh is attached to direct the comic book adaptation, which also stars Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Tom Hiddelston as Loki and Natalie Portman as Jane Foster.

Production on Thor is expected to begin in January. The film is slated to open on May 20, 2011.

Hopkins will next appear on the big screen alongside Benicio Del Toro in The Wolfman, due in cinemas in February.