Sneak Peek the first image from Marvel Studios upcoming feature "Thor", starring actor Chris Hemsworth ("Star Trek") as Marvel Comics 'god of thunder'.
The character of 'Thor' debuted in Marvel Comics "Journey into Mystery" #83 (August 1962), created by writers Stan Lee, Larry Lieber and illustrator Jack "King" Kirby.
The new film, to be distributed by Paramount May 6, 2011, is directed by Kenneth Branagh ("Sleuth").
According to the comic books, 'Thor' is an 'Asgardian' Norse thunder god, banished to earth in the guise of lame 'Dr. Don Blake', oblivious of his noble standing in the cosmos, until he is called back to duty to save the universe. 
Natalie Portman plays 'Jane Foster', the mortal nurse that fell in love with 'Don Blake'.
Also cast are Academy Award winner Anthony Hopkins as 'Odin', Renee Russo as Odin's wife 'Frigga', Ray Stevenson as 'Volstagg', Tadanobu Asano as 'Hogun', Josh Dallas as 'Fandral', Jaimie Alexander as 'Sif' and Idris Elba as 'Heimdall'.
Branagh is determined to deliver a 'fantasy masterpiece', with his characters regally comporting themselves in a Shakespearean-like tragedy set on 'Asgard', a small planetary body that serves as home to all the Norse gods and their ruler, 'Odin', the father of Thor.
Asgard exists in another dimensional plane, the size of the US, on a flat, asteroid-like mass, connected to the 'Nine Worlds. One permanent portal, 'Bifrost' or the 'Rainbow Bridge' leads to 'Midgard' (Earth), but it was 'shattered' making it difficult to travel between dimensions.
"Thor" lensing in Los Angeles has now moved production to Santa Fe, New Mexico, with post-production on the effects-laden feature continuing throughout 2010.
"...The epic adventure THOR spans the Marvel Universe from present day Earth to the realm of Asgard. At the center of the story is The Mighty Thor, a powerful but arrogant warrior whose reckless actions reignite an ancient war. Thor is cast down to Earth and forced to live among humans as punishment. Once here, Thor learns what it takes to be a true hero when the most dangerous villain of his world sends the darkest forces of Asgard to invade Earth..."
Screenplay for "Thor" was written by Mark Protosevich, Ashley Miller, Zack Stentz and Don Payne. Marvel Studios’ President Kevin Feige produces for executive producers Alan Fine, Stan Lee, David Maisel, and Marvel Studio’s Co-President, Louis D'Esposito.
In addition to "Thor", other Marvel Comics superheroes being adapted for the big screen include "Iron Man 2" for release May 7, "Captain America: The First Avenger", July 22, 2011, and "The Avengers", May 4, 2012, featuring 'Iron Man', 'The Hulk', 'Thor' and 'Captain America'.
Marvel is self-financing "Thor" using a $500 million credit facility through Merrill Lynch, as they did with "Iron Man" and "The Incredible Hulk".
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Thor"... 
