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The god of thunder is ready for his close-up.

Production Weekly tweets that Marvel Studios' Thor movie will begin filming mid-January in Los Angeles. Production on the Kenneth Branagh-directed film will then shift to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where it will reportedly lens from March till late-April. Marvel's L.A. base is at Raleigh Studios in Manhattan Beach.

The 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.

Chris Hemsworth (Star Trek) will play the title role. The cast also includes Anthony Hopkins as Odin, Natalie Portman as Jane Foster, Tom Hiddleston as Loki, Jaimie Alexander as Sif, and Colm Feore in an unspecified villain role.

Marvel Studios' Kevin Feige will produce Thor.

The film will be released in the U.S. on May 20, 2011 and distributed by Paramount Pictures.