LOS ANGELES (AFP) - - Australian actor Chris Hemsworth is set to star as Marvel comic book hero "Thor" in a film to be made by British director Kenneth Branagh, it was reported Monday.

Hemsworth, 25, is best known for a cameo role in the recent "Star Trek" blockbuster, where he played the doomed father of captain James T. Kirk.

Daily Variety reported Hemsworth had landed the role of Norse god Thor after a search by Marvel Studios for a star with acting talent and athleticism.

Hemsworth is best known for his role in the Australian soap opera "Home and Away", where he has appeared as Kim Hyde in more than 170 episodes.

"Thor" is one of several Marvel characters to make their way onto the big screen, following adaptations of iconic superheroes such as "Spider-Man," "The Incredible Hulk" and "Iron Man."

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