The first Thor movie boasted a star-studded cast, combining revered Hollywood A-listers with burgeoning future stars. Appearing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase 1, 2011’s Thor introduced Chris Hemsworth’s Thor into the 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 in Thor (2011), appearing in each Avengers movie and garnering an impressive four solo movies – an MCU first. Thor is expected to return in the MCU’s future and Hemsworth has expressed an interest in the MCU’s Thor 5, should the material evolve the character sufficiently. Other Thor characters, however, have been far less lucky, with the majority of them dying in Thor sequels or other MCU projects.

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Chris Hemsworth

Thor

Chris Hemsworth’s portrayal of Thor in 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 thunder garnered 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 produced Extraction 2, the sequel to his 2020 action thriller. In 2024, Hemsworth stars as Dementus in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. This role in the highly anticipated prequel to Mad Max: Fury Road promises to be another thrilling addition to his diverse filmography. Subsequently, Hemsworth voices Optimus Prime in the animated movie Transformers One.

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Natalie Portman

Jane Foster

Natalie Portman played Jane Foster in Thor (2011), a brilliant astrophysicist who becomes Thor’s love interest. Portman’s performance brought 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 in Thor: Love and Thunder, transforming into the Mighty 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 was May December, a dark comedy-drama which she starred in and executive produced. In 2024, MountainA produced the miniseries The Lady in the Lake for Apple TV+, in which Portman appeared alongside Julianne Moore. Portman also appears in the animated adaptation of Roald Dahl’s The Twits, scheduled for release in 2025.

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Tom Hiddleston

Loki

Tom Hiddleston’s performance as Loki in Thor (2011) was so triumphant the character quickly 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.

Hiddleston remains an acting heavyweight, appearing in television series, movies, and theater. In 2024, Hiddleston stars in a cinematic adaptation of the Stephen King novella The Life of Chuck with 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 in Poetry for Every Day of the Year and has several projects in the works for 2025 and beyond.

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Stellan Skarsgård

Erik Selvig

Stellan Skarsgård played Dr. Erik Selvig in Thor (2011), playing a brilliant astrophysicist and mentor to Natalie Portman’s Jane Foster. Skarsgård’s portrayal of Selvig provided a grounded, intellectual counterbalance to the film’s mythological elements. His performance was well-received, leading to his continued involvement in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including appearances in The Avengers and Thor: 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 the Star Wars series Andor, a prequel to Rogue One. Meanwhile, in 2024, Skarsgård reprised his role as Baron Vladimir Harkonnen in Dune: Part Two, following his chilling performance in the first installment of Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of the iconic sci-fi novel.

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Kat Dennings

Darcy Lewis

Kat Dennings played the role of Darcy Lewis in Thor (2011). She delivered a memorable performance as the quirky and witty political science major who assists Jane Foster and Dr. Erik Selvig. Her comedic timing and charismatic presence provided much-needed levity amid the film’s more serious moments, making her a standout character.

Dennings reprised her role as Darcy in the MCU’s Thor: Love and Thunder, WandaVision, and in the animated series What If…? for two episodes in 2021 and 2023. Additionally, Dennings voiced Leah Birch in Netflix’s animated comedy Big Mouth from 2017 until 2020. Subsequently, Dennings starred in Hulu’s comedy series Dollface, which aired from 2019-2022. In November 2023, Dennings married musician Andrew W.K., and has no acting credits for 2024.

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Colm Feore

Laufey

Colm Feore played the fearsome King Laufey in Thor, the leader of the Frost Giants and Loki’s biological father. His portrayal of Laufey was chilling and authoritative, bringing an especially menacing presence to 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 series The Umbrella Academy, which has been praised for its unique take on the superhero genre. Feore’s portrayal of the eccentric and enigmatic patriarch has earned him considerable acclaim, with the show’s final season releasing in August 2024.

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Idris Elba

Heimdall

Heimdall, the all-seeing, all-hearing guardian of the Bifröst Bridge was played in the MCU by Idris Elba. His stoic and powerful performance brought gravitas and dignity to the character, making Heimdall a key figure in Asgard’s defense. Elba’s Heimdall appeared in each Thor movie and several other MCU projects.

Elba remains a 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 in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022). Elba is reprising the role for Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and 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.

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Jaimie Alexander

Lady Sif

Jaimie Alexander portrayed Lady Sif in Thor, 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 in Thor: The Dark World and Thor: Love and Thunder, where her character met a tragic end, adding a poignant conclusion to Sif’s journey in the MCU.

Outside the Marvel universe, Alexander had a significant role in the NBC crime drama Blindspot from 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 Freeman in the thriller The Minute You Wake Up Dead, further demonstrating her versatility.

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Rene Russo

Figga

Rene Russo played Frigga, the wise and compassionate queen of Asgard, in 2011’s Thor. As Thor and Loki’s mother, her character provided the movie’s emotional core and also a regal sensibility. Russo reprised her role in Thor: The Dark World, where her character’s tragic death was a significant moment in Thor’s character arc. She made a surprise return in Avengers: Endgame during the Time Heist, providing a touching reunion with Thor and offering crucial guidance,

As of 2024, Avengers: Endgame was Russo’s last acting credit, but she has enjoyed a celebrated career. In 2014, Russo appeared in the critically acclaimed Nightcrawler, delivering a powerful performance that earned her significant praise and accolades. She continued to showcase her versatility in 2019’s Velvet Buzzsaw, where she played a prominent role alongside Jake Gyllenhaal.

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Anthony Hopkins

Odin

Anthony Hopkins memorably played the MCU’s Odin to life in Thor and its sequels. Hopkins portrayed the powerful and wise king of Asgard with immense gravitas, anchoring the mythological elements of the story with his commanding presence and 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 be one of the world’s most celebrated actors. In 2023, he starred in One Life, a biopic that chronicles the heroic efforts of Sir Nicholas Winton during World War II, and Freud’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’s Rebel Moon movies, in 2023 and 2024. In 2024, Hopkins also appears in the historical epic series Those About To Die.

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Where Are The Other Notable Thor Cast Members

• Ray Stevenson – Volstagg: Thor was assisted throughout Thor (2011), and indeed Thor: The Dark World, and Thor: Ragnarok, by the Warriors Three. Ray Stevens played the boisterous and brutal Volstagg, ultimately dying protecting Asgard in Ragnarok. Stevenson was also known for playing Frank Castle in Punisher: War Zone in 2008. Tragically, Stevenson passed away in May 2023. His posthumous final performances were in the Ahsoka series and the unreleased historical epic 1242: Gateway to the West.
• Tadanobu Asano – Hogun: Tadanobu Asano played the second member of the Warriors Three, the grim warrior Hogun. Asano is a highly regarded Japanese actor and director with an award-winning career. Asano received particular praise for his role as Kashigi Yabushige in 2024’s Shōgun. While maintaining his prolific movie career in Japan, Asano is also reprising his role as Raiden in 2025’s Mortal Kombat 2.
• Josh Dallas – Fandral: Josh Dallas played Fandral, the final member of the Warriors Three in Thor. Dallas opted for a swashbuckling, charming tone for the character. However, the role was recast in subsequent Thor sequels due to Dallas’s scheduling conflicts. Since his time in the MCU, Dallas has achieved significant success, including starring as Ben Stone in the popular TV series Manifest, which aired from 2018 to 2023.
• Clark Gregg – Phil Coulson: Clark Gregg reprised his role as Agent Phil Coulson in Thor, serving as the first vital link between the various Marvel Cinematic Universe movies. The S.H.I.E.L.D. agent was known for his calm demeanor and dry wit, playing a key role in connecting superheroes to the agency and aiding in Thor’s progression. Gregg appears in the 2024 comedy movie Thelma and has a recurring role in the television series Criminal Minds: Evolution.
• Stan Lee – Truck Driver: The iconic Marvel writer Stan Lee made a memorable cameo as a truck driver in Thor (2011), humorously attempting to move Thor’s fallen hammer, Mjolnir. Lee became well-known for his cameo appearances, often appearing in any Marvel movie based on his characters. Lee, who passed away in 2018, is celebrated as the iconic face of Marvel Comics, leaving an indelible mark on popular culture. His cameos served as a tribute to his enduring legacy and connection with Marvel fans worldwide.

The cast of Thor (2011) was a thrilling combination of acting legends and younger stars destined for the same. This undoubtedly contributed to the movie’s success, which itself prompted three more solo movies. While many of these stars are no longer affiliated with the MCU, their roles in Thor will be remembered as vital components of the franchise.