Anthony Hopkins On Preparing For Thor And Playing Odin!

You seem to have enjoyed your time making Thor.

Yes, it might surprise you but it’s been one of the most positive experiences of my career. Of course, [director] Kenneth Branagh’s a lovely man, a fellow Celt. But everybody, from the cast along to the caterers, was wonderful.

Were you much of a comic-book fan before coming to the movie?

No. I mean, I’d heard of them and I knew about Spider-Man and Batman. But when you get to my age, you have other interests.

How do you prepare to play Odin, the Ruler of Asgard?

I suppose I could have read a thousand books and read a million comics. But, no – I just had a feel for the character and I followed my instincts. My Shakespearian background might have helped – I’ve lots of experience of playing ‘the king’. But I didn’t go to Scandinavia and sit on a mountain.

Do you think some actors put too much emphasis on research?

Absolutely. You see some of these young actors and the lengths they go to, and it leaves you exhausted. It’s like when I played Hannibal Lecter. If I’d wanted to, I’m sure the studio could have arranged for me to meet serial killers and spend time in solitary confinement. But life’s too short to spend time on such grisly matters.