Film News: Thor looks set to hammer the Box Office

Riding on the success of Iron Man, Marvel Comics looks set to finally bring its Avengers franchise to box offices across the world. With X-Men and Spider-Man having previously been adapted for the big screen, this year looks choc-a-block with comic book adaptations.



Next month sees the release of Thor, with former Home and Away star Chris Hemsworth as the titular character. Having already established the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Iron Man¸ the studio looks set to finally unite all of the characters that make up The Avengers. We take a look at what the Marvel Cinematic Universe has in store for cinema-goers.



Thor

Surprisingly directed by British actor Kenneth Branagh, Thor looks set to storm the box office next month with a line of familiar faces starring in the film. Anthony Hopkins stars in his first ever comic book movie as Odin, the father of Thor. Australian actor Chris Hemsworth plays a rather good personification of the God of Thunder, and early film reviews have seen the adaptation receiving an already positive stream of praise.



Captain America: The First Avenger

Having languished in development hell for decades and placed on hold during the 2008 Writers Guild of America strike. Captain America’s production finally gathered momentum this year. Hollywood hunk Chris Evans takes the lead role as the soldier-cum-superhero. With Tommy Lee Jones and Hugo Weaving also on the cast list, the movie has already garnered some positive pre-release buzz. Film news sources have yet to confirm a release date though early signs have earmarked the movie for release later on this year.



The Avengers

Don’t be mistaken in thinking that Hollywood is trying to bring the timeless classic British "spy-fi" television series to the big screen. The Avengers will tie up the Marvel Cinematic Universe with characters from Iron Man, Thor and Captain America all appearing together to fight evil. Not much is known of the plot as yet as a film trailer is yet to be released. Casting has already been announced, however, with Mark Ruffalo due to take over the reins of playing The Incredible Hulk from Ed Norton and Eric Bana.



Marvel looks set to have a line of critical successes on its hands, as many of the films are being directed by people who have already received acclaim in other areas of sci-fi. Only time will tell whether the Marvel Cinematic Universe can be as successful as its other sister franchises.