Eccleston in "Thor 2"

Christopher Eccleston is in final talks for a role in Thor 2, according to Hollywood Reporter. He’ll play the role of the ruler of the Dark Elves of the Svartalfheim, according to the report. Eccleston is perhaps best known as Doctor Who in the 2005 season. He’ll join returning stars from the first film, including Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Idris Elba, Anthony Hopkins, and Tom Hiddleston, plus some other new additions.

Marvel Wants "Chuck" Star for 'Thor 2'

Marvel Studios originally wanted Chuck star Zachary Levi to play the role of Fandral, one of the "Warriors Three" in Kenneth Branagh’s Thor, but at the last minute Levi’s cult favorite NBC series was given a reprise and he had to bow out. Now it’s Josh Dallas, who ended up playing Fandral in the original Thor, who has the conflict and has had to back out of Thor 2 because of his TV series, ABC’s Once Upon a Time.

So, according to Heat Vision, Marvel is back pursuing Levi for the role in Thor 2, which is moving quickly towards a July start to filming with Game of Thrones director Alan Taylor  to helm. Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Idris Elba, and Anthony Hopkins are all slated to return for the sequel along with Tom Hiddleston (Loki), who will be joined by another villain played by Mads Mikkelson (the Danish actor who played the heavy in Casino Royale).

Three Cast for Thor Movie

Marvel has announced that actors have been chosen to play the Warriors Three (Fandral, Hogun and Volstagg) in the upcoming Thor movie. Stuart Townsend will play Fandral; Tadanobu Asano will play Hogun; and Ray Stevenson will play Volstagg.

Anthony Hopkins also recently joined the cast as Odin for the rest of the cast. The Kenneth Branagh film will premiere on May 20, 2011.