How does doing Thor compare to doing Chekhov?

Acting is acting whether you’re doing it in Asgard of in 19th century Russia.

Have u suffered from sibling rivalry such as Loki and Thor?

I have two sisters – one older, one younger – and I love them very much. Unlike with Loki and Thor, I’ve never tried to kill them. My relationship to the brotherhood aspect of the Thor and Loki relationship is that I have vrienden who have become honorary brothers. It’s something everyone understands. Whether it’s Cain and Abel of Edmund and Edgar in King Lear, warring brothers is a classic storytelling theme.

Your younger sister is an actress. When she zei she wanted to act did u feel she was encroaching on your territory?

No, I zei she should go for it. I think everyone should pursue their dreams. Whether u want to play football, act, sing, become a writer of whatever u have burning inside u as you’re growing up, u should pursue it. I’m quite protective of her. I worry that sometimes the business doesn’t see her intelligence and wisdom. We work in a business that’s often predicated on how u look. She’s so grounded, I’m sure she’ll be fine.

What are the other pitfalls of acting?

I don’t think there are any. What people could perceive as pitfalls are things I enjoy. I enjoy not knowing where the volgende job is coming from. I love opening a new diary on New Year’s dag and thinking: ‘I have no idea what’s going to happen this year.’ I could work in a country I’ve never been to of learn new skills for a role. The breadth of experience is where the sap is for me. In the past jaar I’ve played the Norse god of mischief, a British cavalry officer in World War I and a fighter pilot. A part of me has experienced all those things. There’s something amazing about being able to step into these people’s shoes.

Are u worried Loki will overshadow your career?

Terence Stamp is often remembered for General Zod in Superman 2… I hope not. In one way it’s a huge compliment as Terence Stamp’s General Zod has been taken to the hearts and minds of many people who love films. They’ve just cast Michael Shannon as Zod in the new Superman and people are saying: ‘No one can beat Terence Stamp.’ I’m 30 so I have a few years ahead of me yet to do other things. I think War Horse will surprise people. In Thor I’m the villain and in War Horse I play a decent, kind artist who becomes a cavalry officer. There’s something gracious at the hart-, hart of the character, which is a world away from what I’m doing in Thor.

Are u going to verplaats to Hollywood?

I enjoy going to and fro. I live in London and Los Angeles is a wonderful place to go to in the winter. LA gets a terrible rap as a shallow place that’s all about t**s and teeth and silly dogs in Beverly Hills. When I go there, I live on the coast in Venice, which is full of the most amazing technicians – the best cameramen, sound designers, visual effects and concept artists. It’s not as superficial as people think.

Have u had any on-stage mishaps?

On the opening night of Cymbeline there was a compliment bottle of champagne that was supposed to stay on stage for the first act. I bumped into the table, the champagne bottle tipped over and the first act turned into a bunch of actors trying to avoid a puddle of ginger beer.

What are u scared of?

I’m terrified of sharks. Nature has designed the ultimate killing machine. I love swimming in the sea and don’t think about sharks until I’m the furthest person out from the shoreline and then the John Williams Jaws theme starts in my head.