Newly resurfaced Thor concept art is based on Grey's Anatomy's Kevin McKidd, who was in the running before Chris Hemsworth landed the part.

Recently resurfacedThorconcept art imaginesGrey's Anatomyactor Kevin McKidd as the Marvel hero. Since his debut in his 2011 solo film, Thor has become a vital part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Though the second film in his standalone series,Thor: The Dark World, was a critical disappointment, he bounced back withThor: Ragnarok. It provided a lighter take on the character and segued into his relationship with the similarly eccentric Guardians of the Galaxy. Now, it's hard to imagine anyone but Chris Hemsworth in the role, as he's navigated Thor's character development with ease. However, Hemsworth wasn't the only actor up for the role.

At one point, McKidd was reportedly in the running for Thor. This was back in 2008, around the time McKidd joinedGrey's Anatomyas Owen Hunt. Though he didn't wind up getting the part of Thor, McKidd did eventually play a god, starring inPercy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief as Poseidononly a couple years later. Another actor who nearly played Thor is Daniel Craig, who wasn't able to because of his role as James Bond. Other actors considered include Channing Tatum, Charlie Hunnam, and even Liam Hemsworth.

Related:Avengers: Actors Who Almost Played The Original 6 Heroes

Because so many actors were up for the role, it makes sense early concept art varied. Marvel Studios Visual Development co-founderCharlie Wen shared someThorconcept art on Instagram today, which was based on McKidd. The art was previously featured inThe Art of Thor, a Marvel artbook released in 2011. Check it out below:

It makes sense Wen specifies the art was based on McKidd rather than being a carbon copy. It only loosely looks like the actor, especially ten plus years after it was created. However, it does give a good idea of what McKidd might have looked like then with Thor's trademark long locks. Though McKidd didn't end up getting the Thor gig, it's not as though his career has tanked since. He's remained a fixture in the entertainment industry thanks to his ongoingGrey's Anatomyrole. At this point, he's even outlasted several original cast members.

All told, theThorconcept art offers a fascinating reminder of the complicated design process for superhero films. Not only do artists have to create a look for the character, they also have to take into consideration whichever actors are up for the role. Though it's interesting to see the basis for what McKidd might have looked like as Thor, it feels like the right person wound up with the role.

More:Avengers: Age of Ultron Foreshadowed Thors Infinity War Failure

Source: Charlie Wen

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Rebecca VanAcker is a news writer and evening editor at Screen Rant. She enjoys covering all things superhero, especially Marvel and the Arrowverse. In the past, shes written TV recaps for Screen Picks and reviews for Yahoo TV UK. Though Rebecca likes movies and other forms of storytelling, TV is her true passion, having written about it in some capacity since 2014. She especially loves female-driven shows like Parks and Recreation, Jane the Virgin, and Fleabag. A graduate of Michigan State University, Rebecca got her teaching certificate before falling in love with writing and the entertainment industry. She has a B.A. in English, and her longtime love of reading has followed her into adulthood. While she enjoys discovering new books, right now shes probably just re-reading Harry Potter for the millionth time. Her other hobbies include baking, anything Disney, and exploring with her dog, Beckett. You can follow Rebecca on Twitter @BecksVanAcker, or contact her directly at rvanacker23(at)gmail(dot)com.

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Early Thor Concept Art Imagines Grey's Anatomy's Kevin McKidd In The MCU - Screen Rant