Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter International Trailer

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New Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter Poster

CAST EM': Thor 2

Similar to Iron Man 3, casting will start to ramp up soon for Thor 2 with the production starting this summer. A majority of the original cast will be returning such as Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Tom Hiddleston (Loki), Anthony Hopkins (Odin), Natalie Portman (Jane), Jaimie Alexander (Sif), Idris Elba (Hemidell), Ray Stevenson (Volstagg), Tadanobu Asano (Hogan) and Josh Dallas (Fendral). Alan Taylor (Game of Thrones) will be directing with a script from Don Payne (Thor, Simpsons) and Robert Rodat (Saving Private Ryan, Falling Skies, Warcraft).

It was revealed by Marvel's Kevin Feige that we'll be seeing the cast of Asgardians doubling in the sequel. With director Alan Taylor mostly known for directing television episodes Marvel might be looking at TV actors to fill new roles. The studio is notoriously tight with paying their actors and Thor 2 could be a stomping ground for rising actors alongside well known ones. I've done this CAST EM' multiple times but it's been updated to compliment director Alan Taylor.

BENJAMIN WALKER AS BALDER THE BRAVE: Balder is one Asgard's greatest warriors and had been wanted for the first film. Artists for the movie had did early costume concepts but the character didn't make the cut. When Thor earns the title of Prince of Midgard and becomes Earth's protector, Balder takes his place in Asgard.

Benjamin Walker was originally in talks to play Hank McCoy (Beast) in X-Men First Class but wouldn't land the role. He did end up getting the lead in Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter instead. Walker is a rather bulky actor and seems like he would fit in nicely with the rest of the cast at six foot three inches. Ben has an extensive background in theater, comedy and now action films, a perfect combo. Recently he was cast in Paradise Lost but the Warner Bros. production is currently being delayed.

EMILIA CLARKE AS BRUNHILDE THE VALKYRIE: Valkyrie is one of the best known supporting Asgardians and was involved with the Marvel superhero team Defenders. She's also one of the only female warriors in the realm. It would be nice to see Sif  have competition and someone she can identify with. Brunhilde is also known to have adventures on Earth so she could be great for cameos in other films including Avengers 2.

Emilia Clarke has previously worked with Alan Taylor on two seasons of Game of Thrones. She's a newcomer and hasn't had much experience with films. Marvel would be able to hire her for their minimal fee and Emilia already has an international following because of the series. I'm sure Clarke would jump on the chance to make a film of this scale.

MELANIE LAURENT AS AMORA THE ENCHANTRESS: Amora is a fan favorite and one of the best villains in Thor's rogues gallery. She uses her skills in magic and manipulation to bend others to her will. I could see the character teaming up with Loki to gain power in Asgard. Also, she could be conflicted and jealous of Thor's intentions with the human Jane Foster.

French actress Melanie Laurent is someone I believe could do this role justice. Not just a pretty face this actress can be both dramatic, sweet and vengeful. Her performances in Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds and this year's The Beginngers have made a large impact on critics. Melanie is an excellent young talent and should be in more event films.

JOE MANGANIELLO AS SKRUGE THE EXECUTIONER: Amora's side-kick and equally as powerful as any other Asgardian, Skruge is another along anticipated character. The Executioner follows Amora like a loyal dog and could be an excellent combatant for Thor. I felt the Destroyer was a terrible villain since it was a faceless object. A villain needs to have dimensions to care about their actions. I would hope that if Skurge is used he isn't just another mindless bruiser.

A lot of fans have been mention stuntmen or wrestlers for this role but I feel Marvel goes the extra mile with casting well known characters. True Blood's Joe Manganiello is my choice and could be a way for him to live out his dreams to play a superhuman. Joe had been a candidate to play Superman in Zack Snyder's Man of Steel but ultimately lost the role. The problem for the casting team is that they'll have to hire someone bigger than Chris Hemsworth which is sort of challenge. Not to mention someone who has an acting background. Joe is around two inches taller than Chris and has slightly more bulk to him. He's also no stranger to the genre playing Flash Thompson in the original Spider-Man film.

CATE BLANCHETT AS HELA: When thinking of who could be as menacing as Colm Feore's Laufey, Tom Hiddleston's Loki or even Anthony Hopkin's Odin, Hela is equally as powerful and threatening. While in the comics it's revealed Hela is Loki's daughter I'm sure it could be changed for the films. In charge of the underworld there have been events where she alines herself with Loki and takes the fight to the gates of Asgard.

When I think of an actress that could carry this booming character it comes down to Cate Blanchett. She is a versatile actress and like Hopkins equally renowned for her performances. She's someone I believe can keep up with the diverse cast and the scene stealing Hiddleston. The only issue could be her involvement in the extensive Hobbit shoot.

Alan Tudyk & Robin McLeavy Join Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

Alan Tudyk and Robin McLeavy have joined Timur Bekmambetov's (Wanted) Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. Robin had previously been linked to the role of Mary Todd which is being portrayed by Mary Elizabeth Winstead. Benjamin Walker, Anthony Mackie, Dominic Cooper, Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Jimmi Simpson had previously been cast in the film.

Trent Reznor Scoring & Acting In Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

It looks like Oscar-winning composer/musician Trent Reznor isn't slowing down his composing duties. He recently re-teamed with David Fincher to score The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and now has another project looking for his eerie sound. BadassDigest reports that Reznor has been hired to score Timur Bekmambetov's (Wanted) Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. He'll also play the vampire that kills Abe's mother setting the story into motion.

Jimmi Simpson Joins Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

Variety reports that Jimmi Simpson has joined Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter in an unnamed role. Simpson might be best known for his work on It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia and villainous role in Date Night. I expect Jimmi could be playing one of the evil vampires Abe has to slay. Ben Walker, Anthony Mackie, Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Dominic Cooper have been previously cast in the film directed by Timur Bekmambetov (Wanted).

Mary Elizabeth Winstead Joins Vampire Hunter

HeatVision reports that Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Scott Pilgrim, The Thing) has been cast as Mary Todd in Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. It was previously reported that Robin McLeavy was in the role but it's not the case. MEW joins Ben Walker (Abe), Dominic Cooper (Henry) and Anthony Mackie (Will). Winstead had been linked to Avengers but it's likely she could focus on Lincoln instead.

Robin McLeavy Joins Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

LatinoReview says that Australian actress Robin McLeavy has been cast in the role of Mary Todd in Timur Bekmambetov's (Wanted) Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. Ben Walker is playing a young Abe, Dominic Cooper his vampire trainer Henry Sturges and Anthony Mackie in the role of Will. Previously HeatVision reported on Robin's involvement along with Mary Elizabeth Winstead also being in talks for the role.

Dominic Cooper & Anthony Mackie Join Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

Variety reports that Dominic Cooper (Captain America) is set to take the role of ageless vampire Henry Strugess in Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. Henry saves the life of a young Abe Lincoln teaching him how to kill the evil slave owning vampires. Deadline also has an update that Anthony Mackie (Million Dollar Baby, Hurt Locker) is in talks to play Abe's best friend Will. Theater actor Ben Walker is set to play a young Lincoln and it will be directed by Timur Bekmambetov (Wanted) set for release on June 22nd 2012.

Joaquin Phoenix To Join Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter?

Joaquin Phoenix "retired" from acting to focus on his rap career giving material for Casey Affleck's mockumentary I'm Still Here. Deadline reports that Phoenix could return to acting with a supporting role in Timur Bekmambetov's Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. Previously Joaquin Phoenix had been rumored to be in the running to be the new Bruce Banner in  The Avengers before Mark Ruffalo was cast. He would play Henry Sturges a vampire who trains Abe to kill evil vampires. Benjamin Walker is portraying a young Abe.