Trouble in Asgard!?

Only a day before Marvel’s move adaption of Thor is set to begin shooting a cast shakeup has occurred.  The Associated Press is reporting that Stuart Townsend, set to play Thor’s Norse ally, Fandral, will be replaced by Joshua Dallas.  Sources close to the production said Townsend left the film due to creative differences.

Hit the jump for more details on Thor and the sudden cast changes.

This marks the second time Townsend has been replaced in a major film release.  He was originally cast to play Aragon in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, a role that ultimately went to Viggo Mortensen.  This casting change could be a big win for newcomer Dallas who is also set to appear in George Lucas’ upcoming Tuskagee Airmen drama Red Tails.

Directing by Kenneth Branagh, Thor stars Chris Hemsworth in the title role alongside Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins, Renee Russo and Tom Hiddleston.  Thor was scheduled for a May 20, 2011 release but was moved to May 6, 2011 after Spider-Man 4 suffered script delays.

Thanks to Collider.com for the heads up!