Anthony Hopkins thinks being an actor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is nothing short of “pointless.”
The two-time Academy Award winner, 85, has starred in some of the biggest films of all time — including “The Silence of the Lambs,” “The Father,” Hannibal” and “Meet Joe Black.”
And he’s even ventured out into the MCU himself, starring as Odin in the hit 2011 film “Thor: The Dark World.”
He then returned to the franchise for the 2017 film “Thor: Ragnarok.”
But according to Hopkins, the experience was anything but a rewarding one.
Hopkins starred as Odin in the hit 2011 film “Thor: The Dark World.”JAY MAIDMENT“They put me in armor; they shoved a beard on me. Sit on the throne, shout a bit,” he told The New Yorker. “If you’re sitting in front of a green screen, it’s pointless acting it.”
The legendary actor said the MCU ultimately “swallowed” Hollywood as a whole.
Elsewhere in the interview, Hopkins thanked director Kenneth Branagh’s efforts in restoring his faith in the acting industry after the first “Thor” film.
The legendary actor said the MCU ultimately “swallowed” Hollywood as a whole.Getty Images for Vanity Fair
“If you’re sitting in front of a green screen, it’s pointless acting it,” the two-time Oscar winner said.Marvel/Paramount/Kobal/ShutterstockRecalling a conversation the pair had years ago, Hopkins said, “Branagh gave me back the chops to work. I was gonna give it up, really.”
“Working with Ken was quite an injection of new energy into my life. His enthusiasm, his attitude, is so positive, that he brings out the best in everybody.”
Despite that, Branagh did not remain as director after the first installment of the franchise.
Instead, Alan Taylor went on to direct “Thor: The Dark World” in 2013, and Taika Waititi took over directing the 2017 film “Thor: Ragnarok.”
The actor starred in the 2011 MCU film opposite Chris Hemsworth.Marvel/Paramount/Kobal/ShutterstockBoth the 2011 and the 2013 installments of “Thor” are considered to be the weakest films in the MCU, according to revenue and critical acclaim.
The 2011 film raked in $181 million domestically, while the 2013 film racked up $206 million domestically.
There was no love lost for Hopkins, however, as he went on to win his second Oscar in 2021 for his role as an aging dad in “The Father” — directed by Florian Zeller.
Aside from the silver screen, Hopkins has even dabbled in modeling — having modeled for Loewe at the age of 84 in 2022.
Last year, the actor revealed he runs his own fragrance and candle company.
