From Screen Rant:
A few weeks back the name Joseph Gatt made headlines everywhere when it was reported that he had been cast into a “secret role” for the upcoming Thor movie. We knew nothing more about it other than his history of work on some major video game titles and a few roles on TV and in several films. We had that and some guesses as to which character from the Thor comics he could be playing.
I had a chance to speak with Joe Gatt over the holidays and briefly again on Monday after the first day of Thor’s principal photography where I tried to get some hints on what character he could be playing in the movie, whether or not he could be involved in the game and if he could play the part of Kratos in the God of War movie. In our discussion, we talked about the Thor movie and his character, how he got into the business, his diverse background which includes working as a motion capture actor in some triple-A video game titles, and his favorite films.
Hi Joe,
Thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions for us.
Looking through your history, you’re a “Jack of all trades” so to speak with acting work in television and film, modeling for some major brands as well as motion capture work on multiple triple-A video game titles. I’ve also read about some dancing and singing on your part. What do you like doing best and is there any one focus that you would like to do more of moving forward in your career?
It says in your biography that since watching Star Wars as a child, you knew in your mind that you wanted to act and you’ve made that happen. What are some other favorite films of yours and what’s the best you’ve seen so far this year?
As a physical presence on screen and behind the scenes (in the case of video games), what workout regiment and diet do you follow to stay in top shape?
Looking at the list of projects you’ve been involved with, Driv3r is listed as your first experience with motion capture work on a video game. How did you land the gig and were you seeking work in the video game industry?
Did you ever expect to be involved with so many major video games afterward and is it something you’ll continue pursuing in the future?
Are you a gamer yourself and if so, what titles are your favorite and what might we find Joe Gatt playing currently?
With the highly anticipated release of God of War III coming early this year, for which you are again working motion capture with as the main character Kratos, are you in the loop for any updates on the God of War film project and is there potential for your involvement?
I was a proponent of voice actor and character model David Bateson of Hitman fame playing the lead role in the film adaptation (instead we got Tim Olyphant) so I’m all for it!
Continue for details about Gatt’s role in Thor and where we take a stab at who he’s playing…
Your name made some major headlines the other week for what’s being dubbed a secret part in the Marvel Studios production of Thor. How did you get involved with the Kenneth Branagh-directed project?
Are you by any chance a reader of comics and if so, what books interest you?
Good answer. These are definitely my faves too. We know your involvement in Thor is being kept under wraps for the time being, but are there any hints what we may see from you on screen?
Any scenes with the God of Thunder?
How about Loki?
With your role in the Thor film, is there any chance that you may be involved with motion capture work for the tie-in Thor video game?
Aside from the next God of War game coming out in the spring and the Thor film a few years away from release, where might we see you next?
After getting a better idea of Joe’s role in the movie and once production began Monday, I spoke to him briefly again and I fired a few fun questions his way to see if we could get any more hints about this character.
Do you get to wear your own Asgardian outfit? Do you get any cool weapons?
We’ve been hearing nothing but praise about the extravagant set designs from some high profile folks including Jon Favreau. What can you tell us about the recreation of Asgard and the other character costumes?
We expect Thor to make a big splash at San Diego Comic-Con next year. Any chance you may be attending?
Of the Marvel films coming out, our readers know that Thor is the one I have always been most excited for and I’m excited that you’ll be involved. Good look going forward and we hope to talk to you again soon!
So there you have it. For obvious reasons, Gatt cannot reveal details of his character or the production as Marvel is keeping things appropriately secretive but from what we gather from his responses, the rumors online and Joe’s background and expertise, we can take a stab at who he may be playing.
Let’s look at what we know:
He’s a villain Action-oriented role Gives Thor lots of trouble Has scenes with Loki Has sweet weapons Is an Asgardian warrior
Combining that with Gatt’s physical prowess and expertise with weapons and combat, not too mention his appearance, I have a pretty good feeling that he’ll be playing Skurge the Executioner, as some of us Screen Ranters have guessed at behind the scenes and who’s been frequently speculated at online.
In the books, Skurge has the superhuman strength and durability greater than most Asgardians and he acquired his powerful name after duking it out with Storm giants. He commonly fought for Amora, the Enchantress due to his feelings for her and her manipulation of him and he is loyal to Thor’s nemesis and half-brother Loki who uses him to attack Thor.
Thor’s father Odin (Anthony Hopkins) banished him to Earth where he fought against the Avengers. Skurge’s history and appearances in the books spans across many stories and he faces off with and against many key characters including Mandarin, the Fantastic Four, Doctor Doom and many others. If Gatt is in fact playing Skurge, I can’t wait to see what he looks like and we’re hopefully he has a chance at re-playing the character in another Marvel project in the future. That is, if Thor doesn’t hammer him too badly. Perhaps he could be on of the Avengers villains?
What do you think? Is Skurge the character or do you have any other guess?
Stay tuned for more Thor news soon!
Thor takes over Spider-Man 4 for a new release date of May 5, 2011.
Artwork by Marko Djurdjević.
