Anthony Hopkins to Play Odin in 'Thor'

The Norse god of thunder, Thor, may be thunderous -- but is he any kind of match for his father?

Oscar-winner Sir Anthony Hopkins has signed to play patriarch Odin, father of Thor and hard-line ruler of the mythical Asgard, in the upcoming Kenneth Branagh-directed feature 'Thor.'

According to Variety, the Marvel Studios fantasy pic, adapted from the beloved comic book serial, co-stars Aussie actor Chris Hemsworth (most recently James T. Kirk's father, George Kirk, in 'Star Trek') in the title role. British actor Tom Hiddleston, who has teamed with Branagh on previous film and stage projects, plays Loki, Thor's archnemesis -- and brother.

The 'Thor' storyline finds the aggressive god of thunder a victim of too much testosterone, throwing sparks on an old, very destructive war. Furious with Thor and determined to punish him, Odin hurls his son down to Earth in order to make him live with human beings.

There's a method to Odin's madness: Thor learns the value of true heroism when Loki, in command of the darkest forces of Asgard, instructs them to invade and occupy the Earth, imperiling all humanity.

Natalie Portman has been cast as Jane Foster, Thor's love interest. Released by Paramount, 'Thor' kicks off production shortly after New Year's. The film opens in May 20, 2011.