Los Angeles  - Sir Anthony Hopkins has joined the cast of Thor, the Marvel comic book series being turned into a movie by Kenneth Branagh, according to Variety.

The Oscar-winning British star will play Odin, father of the title character. Filming is due to begin production in January ahead of its 2011 release.

The film is based on the Marvel character of the same name, which first appeared in 1962 and follows the adventures of the thunder god of Norse mythology. (dpa)