“Thor: The Dark World” casts Christopher Eccleston as its villain

Posted by Terri Schwartz on August 2nd

The Doctor is in. Former “Doctor Who” star Christopher Eccleston has officially joined “Thor: The Dark World” as the villain Malekith the Accursed.

The Hollywood Reporter has the news, which confirms our belief that the sequel to “Thor” will follow the dark elf storyline popularized in the comics. Eccleston’s Malekith will be the ruler of the Dark Elves of Svartalfheim and generally make life difficult for the Norse god in the upcoming movie.

Ever since Marvel announced the title “Thor: The Dark World,” fans have assumed that the sequel would tell the story of Malekith. Recent casting calls and filming locations have seemingly confirmed that speculation, but this is the first official word on the matter. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige called the character “a major, major new antagonist,” and Malekith definitely fits the bill.

We recently learned that the folks handling casting for “Thor: The Dark World” are looking for “extreme looking” heavily tattooed men and women with military experience as well as girls with “hot bodies” who are comfortable in skimpy clothing. These extras will help film an epic battle scene in England’s Bourne Woods as well as shoot scenes in London underground tunnels. The dark location seems to imply that there are creatures who need to live out of the light, which pointed to the dark elves being this movie’s villains.

Directed by “Game of Thrones” helmer Alan Taylor, “Thor 2” also stars Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, Natalie Portman, Zachary Levi and Idris Elba. It is slated to hit theaters on November 15, 2013.

Do you think Eccleston is a good addition to the cast? Tell us in the comments section below or on Facebook and Twitter.