Principal photography has begun on Marvel Studios’ production of Thor, which is being directed by Kenneth Brannagh and will debut on May 6th, 2011.  The cast includes Chris Hemsworth in the title role, Tom Hiddleston as Loki, Natalie Portman as Jane Foster, Anthony Hopkins as Odin, Rene Russo as Frigga, Ray Stevenson as Volstagg, Tadanobu Asano as Hogun, Jaimie Alexander as Sif, and Idris Elba as Heimdall.

One last minute casting change found American actor Joshua Dallas replacing the Irish thespian Stuart Townsend in the key role of Fandral.

Marvel Studios’ announcement that production on the film had begun included a generalized description of the plot of the film, which had heretofore been kept under wraps: “The epic adventure Thor 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.”