Before Chris Hemsworth’s iconic portrayal, Daniel Craig was considered for Thor by Sony, with other notable actors like Tom Hiddleston and Liam Hemsworth also in the running.

Thor, the God of Thunder, has become one of Marvel’s standout heroes. But, as it turns out, before Chris Hemsworth wielded the mighty Mjölnir and charmed audiences worldwide, other big names were being thrown around – names that might surprise many a fan.

One of the biggest shockers? Daniel Craig, our beloved James Bond, was once in the running to be Sony’s Thor.

Sony Wanted Daniel Craig To Play The Role of Thor

Daniel Craig
Daniel Craig, not in his iconic role as James Bond, but as the strong Thor, battling fierce enemies in Asgard. It may sound like an incredible concept, but it nearly became a reality. Before the release of Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Thor movie in 2011, according to the recently published MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios book, Sony had plans to produce their film featuring the Norse god.

And who could be better suited for the role than the actor who had reinvented Bond for a new era? With his handsome looks, impressive physique, and captivating on-screen presence, Craig was the ideal candidate.

However, fate intervened. Dedicated to the James Bond franchise, Daniel Craig could not pursue the opportunity to play Thor, ultimately choosing martinis over Mjölnir. After Sony’s version of the Thor narrative was scrapped, Marvel Studios took over.

They aimed to introduce Thor as a key player in their burgeoning Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, the bar had been set high by Daniel Craig’s near-involvement, so the studio had to work hard to find someone who could look the part and deliver a performance worthy of a god. Thus, the search began for the next actor to play Thor.

The Other Top 5 Thor Contenders

After Craig dropped out of the running for the God of Thunder, Marvel Studios had to search for a new actor to play Thor in the 2011 movie. The casting process was crucial to ensure the success of Thor’s cinematic debut, and finding the right person to wield Mjölnir was a daunting task. Marvel Studios had to get it just right to ensure an epic portrayal of the powerful character.

Charlie Hunnam

Charlie Hunnam
On top of the list was Charlie Hunnam, best recognized for his rugged role in Sons of Anarchy. With his raw, edgy charm, he had all the qualities of a Thor who has been through a lot. However, some might argue that despite Hunnam’s charisma, he may not possess the god-like aura required for Thor. Also, can fans distinguish Jax Teller from the Norse god?

Joel Kinnaman

Joel Kinnaman
Joel Kinnaman, primarily known in his homeland of Sweden, was generating buzz as another potential candidate. Although he might not have had instant recognition in the US, his action-packed performance in RoboCop demonstrated his potential. Would he have been a fresh-faced Thor or an unfamiliar addition to the superhero ensemble?

Tom Hiddleston

Tom Hiddleston
Tom Hiddleston, who portrays the mischievous Loki, actually auditioned for the role of Thor? It’s quite a surprising twist. Hiddleston’s strong Shakespearean background and undeniable talent could have brought a regal and grounded depth to Thor’s character. Nevertheless, fate had other plans, and Tom’s casting as Loki seems like a cosmic intervention.

Alexander Skarsgård

Alexander Skarsgård
There was another contender for the role of Thor in the Marvel movies – Alexander Skarsgård, the heartthrob from True Blood. He had all the physical attributes to play the character – a tall stature, chiseled features, and an intense gaze.

However, some fans were skeptical about him taking on the role, as they were used to seeing him as the vampire Eric Northman. It remains to be seen whether fans could have accepted him as Thor.

Liam Hemsworth

Liam Hemsworth
Lastly, there was Liam Hemsworth. Chris Hemsworth’s younger brother was also competing for the role of Asgard’s ruler. The idea of the Hemsworth brothers competing for the same role is an intriguing twist to the casting story. Although Liam Hemsworth has showcased his acting skills in several films, his brother’s depiction of Thor seems perfect for the character.