This Look At Alexander Skarsgård As Thor Is Quite The Eye-Opener

As the Marvel Cinematic Universe started to come together, a handful of comic book mainstays became the franchise's pioneers. Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) and Hulk (Edward Norton, later Mark Ruffalo) were its first recruits, followed by the Mjolnir-wielding Asgardian himself, Thor. His self-titled solo film premiered at the movies in 2011 under the direction of Kenneth Branagh, and though the movie isn't the most widely talked about MCU entry these days, it still has its merits. After all, we have it to thank for Chris Hemsworth's casting as the God of Thunder.

Despite his atrocious dyed eyebrows, Hemsworth's performance in "Thor" made it clear that the MCU had yet another spot-on casting choice on its hands. In the years to come, the "Extraction" actor would continue to portray Marvel's take on the famed Norse god — teaming with the Avengers, witnessing the destruction of his home, and saving half the universe from Thanos (Josh Brolin) on the big screen. As "Thor: Love and Thunder" approaches its July 2022 premiere, it's hard to envision anyone else playing Thor Odinson, but that's not to say fan casting is off-limits.

For instance, a piece of fan art has depicted actor Alexander Skarsgård as the MCU's Thor, and in all honesty, it's quite an eye-opener.

Alexander Skarsgård recently dipped his toe into the Viking pool via "The Northman" from director Robert Eggers. In the film, he plays the legendary Scandinavian figure Amleth, who witnesses his father Aurvandill's (Ethan Hawke) death as a youth and takes it upon himself later in life to exact revenge. Given his overall look in the movie (long blonde hair, beard, shredded physique, etc.) and the Norse connection, it should come as no surprise that Skarsgård's Amleth has drawn comparisons to Thor, especially the MCU's take on the son of Odin.

To build on this, @theimaginativehobbyist on Instagram shared a piece of fan art they created that depicts Alexander Skarsgård as Thor. In this specific work, the character is dressed as he was in 2015's "Avengers: Age of Ultron," complete with his sweeping red cape, oversized wrist gauntlets, and, of course, Mjolnir. All in all, it's hard to deny that Skarsgård would've likely made an excellent Thor in the MCU. Not only is he an immensely talented actor, but as this artwork proves, he can certainly pull off the look of the former leader of New Asgard.

Way back when, Alexander Skarsgård nearly became Thor before the gig went to Chris Hemsworth (via Screen Rant). Thanks to fan art like this, it's plain to see that those in charge weren't too far off in pitching him the role.