Production Weekly reports that shooting on Marvel’s Thor is set to start in Los Angeles in mid-January. After that the production will “move to Santa Fe, New Mexico from March till late-April.”

Marvel Studios expands its universe in the film realm with a new/different type of superhero, one that rivals Superman and is in fact a god: Thor.

This epic adventure 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.

The film is being directed by Kenneth Branagh and has one of the most highly touted casts ever conceived for a comicbook film. Chris Hemsworth will play the lead role of Thor. Hemsworth made way this past summer as George Kirk in the opening scenes of the JJ Abrams’ Star Trek film. Hemsworth will also be seen in the upcoming remake of Red Dawn. Other cast members for this film include Natalie Portman who will play Jane Foster, the human girlfriend and love to Thor; there is also Jaimi Alaexander, who will play fellow Asguard and female warrior, Sif, a former lover to Thor, she spends lots of time searching for him; Samuel L. Jackson will return to the Marvel universe in the role of Nick Fury to bridge this film and the long awaited Avengers film; lastly Tom Wilkinson will play one of the main antagonists in the film Loki, the jealous, evil half-brother to Thor; Colm Feore rounds the cast up as an undisclosed villain and Sir Anthony Hopkins will play Odin, father to Thor and ruler of Asguard. Rumored roles are said to be going to the likes of Jude Law, Robert DeNiro and Stellan Skarsgard.

We certainly can’t wait to hear more about this project and the other casting tidbits that have yet to come. Thor plans to get released on May 20 2011 and will be distributed by Marvel Studios and Paramount Pictures.