Imagine if someone else played Thor. That almost happened! The story of how Chris Hemsworth almost lost the role is crazy. It involves nerves, family, and a little bit of luck.
In 2009, Chris was mostly known for TV shows in Australia, and he had a small part in a movie. When the role of Thor came up, he thought, “This is my chance. I’m perfect for this!” The casting call said they wanted someone who was tall (over 6’3”) and heavy (around 200 pounds). Chris thought, “I fit that.” He gave his best performance in the audition with director Kenneth Branagh. But after the audition… nothing happened. No call. No feedback.
Meanwhile, Chris’s younger brother Liam decided to try out too. And guess what? Liam made it to the final list of actors for Thor! Chris was in Vancouver filming Cabin in the Woods and heard about it from his friends Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard. They asked, “Why aren’t you up for Thor?” Chris said, “I don’t know. I think I messed up the audition.”
Chris felt down. As he worked on Cabin in the Woods, Drew and Joss asked again, “Why aren’t you being considered for Thor?” Chris answered, “I think I blew my chance.” It looked like Liam would be the new Thor.
But then something surprising happened. The casting directors didn’t like the other actors they were considering. That’s when Chris’s manager made a call that changed everything. “Chris has an older brother. Can we bring him back for another audition?” Chris went for a second audition in Vancouver. He said, “I was motivated. I didn’t want my brother to get the role instead of me.” And it worked.
A few weeks later, Chris got the role of Thor. It changed his life. He went on to star in four Thor movies and four Avengers movies. Liam also found success, playing Gale in The Hunger Games and later Geralt in The Witcher series.
Even though there was some family rivalry, both brothers are doing well. Chris is still a superhero, and Liam has a successful career too. It’s hard to imagine anyone else as Thor, but Liam would’ve been great in the role too!