The God of Thunder's Almost-Was: 4 Actors Who Nearly Wielded Mjolnir Before Chris Hemsworth

When you picture Thor, the God of Thunder, in your mind's eye, it’s almost impossible not to see Chris Hemsworth. His portrayal has become so utterly synonymous with the character that it feels like he was simply destined for the role. But, as with many iconic castings, the journey to finding the perfect Asgardian prince was far from straightforward. Indeed, a surprising number of talented actors came incredibly close to wielding Mjolnir before Hemsworth ever did, and one even had a second shot at joining the MCU in a completely different capacity!

Let's take a little trip down memory lane, shall we? It's fascinating to ponder the "what if" scenarios, imagining how these other stars might have shaped the MCU we know and love.

Tom Hiddleston: The God of Mischief Almost Played the God of Thunder

Perhaps one of the most well-known near-misses is Tom Hiddleston. Can you even picture it? The man who has become the quintessential Loki, Thor's mischievous brother, actually threw his hat into the ring for Thor himself! Footage of his audition, complete with a blonde wig and a very earnest, albeit slightly less thunderous, demeanor, surfaced on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon back in 2019. It’s quite the sight to behold! While he didn't land the lead, his audition clearly made an impression, leading to his iconic casting as Loki, a role he debuted in 2012's The Avengers and has owned ever since. Honestly, it feels like the universe knew exactly where he belonged.

Liam Hemsworth: Brotherly Competition

It seems the allure of being an Asgardian runs in the family! Chris Hemsworth's younger brother, Liam, also auditioned for the role of Thor. Imagine that family dinner conversation! Chris himself confirmed this during a Vanity Fair lie detector test interview, revealing his brother was quite a strong contender. At just 18 years old at the time, Liam reportedly impressed the studio, but ultimately, they felt he was a bit too young for the gravitas the role demanded. It's funny to think how close we were to a different Hemsworth playing the hero.

Alan Ritchson: A Lesson in Craft

Before he was kicking serious butt as Jack Reacher, Alan Ritchson also tried out for the role of Thor for the 2011 film. In a refreshingly candid Men's Health interview from early 2024, Ritchson admitted he didn't take the audition as seriously as he should have. He relied perhaps a bit too much on his impressive physique, thinking that would be enough. He recalled casting directors telling him the role was essentially his to lose, but that he lacked "the craft" of acting needed to truly embody the character. This experience, however, became a pivotal moment for him, pushing him to work with an acting coach and truly hone his skills. Talk about turning a rejection into a valuable lesson!

Daniel Craig: A Double MCU Almost-Was

Now, this is a fascinating one, a story with not just one, but two almost-appearances! Daniel Craig, of James Bond fame, was apparently considered for Thor and even reportedly offered the part initially. He ultimately had to decline, though, due to his iron-clad commitments to the Bond franchise, which had kicked off with Casino Royale. But the MCU clearly had eyes for him, as he was later cast to make a cameo as Balder the Brave, Thor's half-brother, within the Illuminati in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Elizabeth Olsen, bless her, even confirmed that a costume had been designed for him! However, fate intervened again. Craig, concerned about contracting COVID-19, withdrew from the role. His spot in the Illuminati was eventually filled by John Krasinski, who famously played Mister Fantastic. It’s wild to think how many times Craig almost stepped into this superhero world!

So there you have it – a glimpse behind the curtain at the alternate realities of MCU casting. While each of these actors undoubtedly would have brought something unique to the role, it's safe to say that Chris Hemsworth has more than made the part his own, giving us a Thor that truly feels timeless. Still, it’s a fun exercise to imagine the possibilities!