The Oscar-winning star will play Odin, the father of the title character, in Branagh's film, which begins production in January ahead of its 2011 release.

Star Trek actor Chris Hemsworth plays Thor, while Natalie Portman plays his love interest Jane Foster.

Based on Norse mythology, Thor first appeared in Marvel's comics in 1962.

Described by Marvel as "a powerful but arrogant warrior", the film sees him banished to Earth after reigniting an ancient war.

Remake

Once there, he comes to humanity's aid when invaders arrive from his home land of Asgard.

Hopkins, 71, will next be seen in horror remake The Wolfman, opposite Benicio Del Toro and Emily Blunt. This summer also saw him working in London on Woody Allen's as yet untitled new film.

Branagh was seen earlier this year in Richard Curtis's comedy 'The Boat That Rocked', shortly to be released in the US as 'Pirate Radio'.

As a director he is best known for such big-screen Shakespeare adaptations as 'Hamlet', 'Henry V' and 'Much Ado About Nothing'.