Tom Hiddleston is Loki
Mon, May 18, 2009 
Tom HiddlestonWhen Chris Hemsworth was selected to play Thor, many immediately thought the part of Loki would go to a bigger name.
In some comic book movies, when the lead superhero is played by an unknown or a lesser-known actor, then the lead villain role goes to a better-known actor. Think Christopher Reeves/Gene Hackman (Superman) or Brandon Routh/Kevin Spacey (Superman Returns) or Thomas Jane/John Travolta (The Punisher).
However, the creators of "Thor" are taking a different approach. They are matching a little-known title character, with a little-known lead actor and now they have added the little-known Tom Hiddleston to play Loki.
It's an interesting approach to be sure.
So far, the biggest name involved with the movie is Kenneth Branagh (who is not slated to act in the movie as of yet).
And while many people know little about Hemsworth or Hiddleston, most are willing to believe Branagh knows his stuff when it comes to actors.
So, who is Hiddleston? Good question. I'll let Wikipedia take it from here:
Thomas William Hiddleston (born in Westminster, London, in 1981) is an award-winning British actor.
He studied at Eton College, where he boarded in Durnford House, and then read classics at Pembroke College, Cambridge. He then attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, from which he graduated in 2005.
Since his RADA graduation, he signed with notable actors agency Hamilton Hodell, and has played major parts in Cheek by Jowl's productions "The Changeling" (in which he played Alsemero and for which he received an Ian Charleson Award 2006 Commendation), and "Cymbeline" (Posthumus Leonatus & Cloten), for which he won the Laurence Olivier Award.
His screen credits include Randolph Churchill, son of Winston Churchill the wartime Prime Minister, in the film "The Gathering Storm." He also appeared in a leading role in Joanna Hogg's film "Unrelated" (2007).
His Donmar Warehouse credits include "Cassio" in Michael Grandage's production of Shakespeare's "Othello" alongside Chiwetel Ejiofor and Ewan McGregor to much critical acclaim and Lvov in their West End revival of Chekhov's "Ivanov."
His TV credits include Detective Martinsson in the BBC drama Wallander and Bill Hazledine in Suburban Shootout.
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As for the movie itself:
Hmmm, a comic book property unfamilar to the general audience with actors not gererally known by the general audience. Why does this sound familiar?
I'm just saying ...
Sean Gerski
For those people who like to post "has this been confirmed?" every time a casting story breaks, here is your confirmation -- direct from Marvel.com:
Waiting for the movie hammer to fall, Thor fans? So are we! Verily!
And we're getting so much closer because now we know who Thor will be facing off against and that's Tom Hiddleston as the trickster Loki!
Marvel Studios announced today Hiddleston has been cast as the villain Loki in the highly anticipated movie "Thor." Kenneth Branagh will direct the film penned by Mark Protosevich and Ashley Miller & Zak Stentz.
Marvel Studios' Kevin Feige will produce the film. The film will be released in the U.S. on May 20, 2011 and distributed by Paramount Pictures.
Marvel Studios expands its film universe with a new type of super hero: "Thor." This epic adventure spans the Marvel Universe; from present day Earth to the realm of Asgard. At the center of the story is The Mighty Thor, a powerful but arrogant warrior whose reckless actions reignite an ancient war. Thor is cast down to Earth and forced to live among humans as punishment. Once here, Thor learns what it takes to be a true hero when the most dangerous villain of his world sends the darkest forces of Asgard to invade Earth.
"Thor" reunites Hiddleston with Branagh, with whom he worked on the London production of Chekhov's "Ivanov." The talented actor and Branagh also starred together in the BBC miniseries "Wallander."
Hiddleston's credits also include "Othello," in which he starred with Chiwetel Ejiofor and Ewan McGregor at the Donmar Warehouse, and he played Winston Churchill's son in HBO's "The Gathering Storm."
In 2008, Hiddleston was nominated twice for the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Newcomer – for his role in Othello" and for his role in "Cymbeline." He won the award for the latter.
In addition to "Thor," Marvel Studios is also scheduled to release a slate of films based on the Marvel characters including "Iron Man 2" on May 7, 2010, "The First Avenger: Captain America" on July 22, 2011, and "The Avengers" on May 4, 2012.
Reader Comments (1)
Have to say I disagree with the Watchmen comparison. This movies cast is not yet complete and seems more akin to X-Men 1 which had little known actors, and unfamiliar ones to the US with the only names being Halle Berry and Patrick Stewart, and kicked ass as the box office. I'd expect Lady Sif, Odin, and at leasyt one of the Warriors three to be played by bigger names. Ditto for Karnilla