Even though Marvel’s Norse god of thunder has had his release date pushed back to summer 2011, director Kenneth Branaugh is in what he describes as “intense pre-production” according to IGN.  According to Branaugh shooting will begin in January; but with January not too far away Marvel fans everywhere want to know who is going play Marvel’s favorite hammer weilding diety.  The rumor mill hasn’t exactly been quiet with regards to who might wind up in the film’s lead roll.  With Alexander Skarsgård, Charlie Hunnam and Josh Hartnett all in contention, the attention turned to Tom Hiddleston, Branaugh’s co-star in his current project Wallander.

Branaugh had this to say about his Wallander co-star’s chances:

Tom Hiddleston is a great actor and he, amongst a number of others, has been part of the group we’ve spoken to and all that’s still a work in progress,

I guess that’s not exactly a rumor but it is directly from the mouth of the director, so it’s got to be newsworthy. Of the rumored choices, I would have to say that Hiddleston isn’t exactly a spitting image of what I see in my mind’s eye when I think Thor.  Check out his picture and let me know what you think.  Also check out my favorite candidate and let me know who you think is closer to the real deal.

And don’t forget the dark horses in this race…Here’s your real god of thunder Jeremy Shockey!!!!