Black or white, I thought Idris Elba was one of the best actors in the film. He brought a whole lot of presence and personality that was lacking from other characters such as the Warriors Three. Sif kicked tons of ass though, she did a nice job for the little screen time she had.

As far as the issue of changing a character’s race, it is fine by me as long as it works story-wise. You could argue that Heimdall should be white because he is a Norse god, believed in by the Norwegians, who historically have tended to be of white skin. However, we are looking at a character who is a god, as interpreted through the lens of the Marvel Universe, which threw in a significant amount of sci-fi in Kirby’s creation of Asgard. So with these circumstances, who is to say what a god looks like, regardless of racial/cultural/geographic origin. Some Buddhist deities have green, blue, snow-white, gold, and coal-black skin… I’ve never met a Tibetan or any other Buddhist group with skin that was any of those colors. Nor did I meet any who had more than two arms, like many of their gods do. Nor have I met any Norwegians with the power to summon thunder. Nor have I met any Christian who can actually turn water into wine. But that doesn’t mean none of those things aren’t possible. That doesn’t mean there might not be some Norwegians whose skin happens to be dark.

Okay, tangent.. but my point is, Heimdall is a Norse god who can see anywhere in the world(s)… so some suspension of disbelief is already expected. Furthermore, he is often depicted (yes as a light skinned) but also with stars and the darkness of space across his face… so maybe one legend says that is how he looked, or maybe in truth he had dark skin..? Who’s to say.
I don’t think it changes anything fundamental about the character. What was required of the role of Heimdall was someone who could bring great presence and power and knowledge, as well as strength. I think Idris Elba is the only person in the film I was 100% happy with the casting for because he nailed it. Sif very close, with Loki and Thor right behind. (I’m a little mixed about Odin, and the Three were pretty weak. Jane was okay, but I miss the doctor part and relation with Donald… I just miss Donald.)

Same thing with Michael Clarke Duncan. However, what was required of that role was a dude who was HUGE – muscular, but could also be fat… and you want a great actor to play the role too, of course… I can’t think of any white guys that fit that bill (although maybe Ray Winstone, but he’s not that tall). MCD was probably the best part of that movie, hands down. And race didn’t matter at all there either.

Sam Jackson is a little tougher for me to swallow, but my real problem there is that I think his best acting days are behind him, and now he is in scenery-chewing mode… but not as bad as someone like Nic Cage.. One thing he has working in his favor is he is just a HUGE fan, so I give him props for that. But if they were going to make Nick black, why not go with someone like Keith David, who has a little more age to fit the role and has so much awesome authority…

You both are entitled to your opinions. Just remember, I am entitled to mine as well ok?

Zagreus: You said, quote “…and yeah, you probably are a little racist.”

REALLY?! hahaha. You do not know me. You do not know my race, where I live, where I come from, my faith…. nothing. I simply stated fact. FACT…. you know, something that cannot be argued over.

The comics depict a WHITE dude as Heimdall. That is a fact.

Even if you cannot read, you can look at the pictures. They cast a BLACK man to portray Heimdall. Again, fact.

Now we can certainly argue over Marvels decision to cast a black man as Heimdall if you like. Publicity? Political correctness? Maybe even.. *gasp*, he was the best man for the job. I guess you did not see the part where I stated: “But… to my surprise, I did enjoy his portrayal of the character. He did very well. Although, I still would have preferred that they held more true to the comic and chose a more appropriate person for the role, but it’s all good.”

Look, some folks like the movie to be reflective of the book(s) as closely as possible. Not just the race thing by the way. All aspects; Attitude, looks, demeanor, abilities, etc. etc.

To me it seemed to be another sad example of inserting a minority into a role just for the sake of doing it. It neither added to, nor took away from the story really. However, it did get them a LOT of free publicity.

Carl: Goodness. Ignorance is bliss I guess. YOUR opinion is the only one that counts, heh. More power to you! Sit back and relax in you ivory, glass walled tower and throw all the stones you like. NOTHING will happen… haha.

BTW: Niether of you know my race, or Country now do you?. You both assume I am white and live in America. How very racist and Imperialistic of you two!!! What… are you racist? What… You think that only white people in the USA or GB can type and have access to a computer??!! You should BOTH be ashamed of yourselves!!!!

Perhaps you both could use a serious dose of “reality check”. While you’re at it… you might consider a class on tolerance. Skip the first two chapters and go right to the part where it talks about how to avoid saying stupid things, therefore avoiding the VERY REAL possibility of having to open your mouth and insert foot!

Look, he was the best man for the job, and if you look back to the original source for all this stuff, the Norse Sagas, there is no mention AT ALL as to what colour Heimdall is. He is referred to as being “The brightest of the gods” (some translate as “whitest”, but not as in skin colour… that doesn’t fit with any of his other names or necessarily with his origins, which was as the son of nine maidens) and “the shining As” (since he’s one of the Aesir). But Kenneth Branagh will have read the script and thought “I reckon Idris Elba could do a good job with this”, so cast him.

Pretty sure Marvel tried to lowball them both, with the same result.

You two must belong to the Aryan Nation that don’t believe in equal opportunity. Hell, let’s not stop at preventing minorities from playing a couple of honkies, how ’bout we go back to Elizabethan times and have all roles played by white men only. You two would totally endorse it then because it’s obvious you guys LOVE caucasian males. *wink wink*

HUUUUURRRRNNNNHHHH

That’s probably because a lot more people liked Thor than you seem to think.

Gee, I wonder what the reason was for you not liking the casting choices for Hogun and Heimdall?

Hopefully, whoever replaces Branagh tries to emulate his delicate touch, keeping the sequelkl relatively character focused, while amping up the action.