Posted 02.19.12 by BrentJS It's perhaps a little reductive to say that the "hunk" appeal of title star Chris Hemsworth and the female moviegoers he attracted were what propelled Marvel Studios' Thor to become the #1 comic-based movie of 2011 and the #8 movie of the year overall — that would diminish the accomplishments of Academy Award–winning director Kenneth Branagh, who brought a touch of Shakespeare to Marvel's Norse god of thunder, the impressive ensemble cast that propped up Hemsworth, and the hundreds of artists who created the lavish sets, costumes, and special effects that brought Asgard's heroes and villains to life in stunning 3D — but practically every trailer and TV spot used to promote the movie did include that lingering shot of Hemsworth shirtless.
Marvel is apparently hoping to repeat the "hot body" buzz it generated for Thor in its marketing of The Avengers because the studio just released a new still image from the super-team movie that features Hemsworth's bulging biceps and little more of interest (unless you're a big Clark Gregg fan, that is).
"marvel" at Hemsworth's pipes in the full image >>