Josh Dallas as Fandral in Marvel's "Thor"
With the huge success of “The Avengers” at the box office, everybody that is anybody is scratching for a chance to be a part of the standalone Marvel films that feature the popular characters.
But one actor who already had a taste of one comic superhero won’t be back for the sequel. However, it’s not really by choice.
Josh Dallas, who plays Prince Charming and David Nolan in the popular new ABC freshman series “Once Upon a Time,” won’t return to play Fandral in the upcoming “Thor 2.”
“The timing wasn’t right,” Dallas toldEntertainment Weekly. “I’m bummed about it because I had such a great experience and great time making the first film, and was really excited about coming back. Marvel and Disney tried to make it work. But because of my commitment to ‘Once Upon a Time,’ I was not going to be able to do both.”
That means new director Alan Taylor is going to have to find someone else to play Fandral, the Errol Flynn-like character that was part of the Asgardian Warriors Three.
Interesting enough, the Thor films have had a hard time casting Fandral. The role in the first “Thor” was originally given to Zachary Levi. However, he had to drop out of the project when his television series, “Chuck,” had its season extended from 13 to 19 episodes. The role then went to Stuart Townsend, but he left the project before filming got too far underway.
Dallas’ departure could open up the possibility of Levi returning to the role, but it’s unclear which way Taylor — who took over directing duties from Kenneth Branagh of the successful 2011 first outing — would go in his casting.
The second season of “Once” is expected to begin next month in Vancouver. Dallas confirms that the events of the first season finale will still hold true — including at least some characters remembering who they were — but some major dynamics of the show will be different when Season 2 gets underway.
Last year, “Once” finished as television’s No. 7 new show and ABC’s No. 6 show with a 5.7 average/9 share, according to Fast National overnight ratings from The Nielsen Co. It was ranked No. 31 overall, and was ABC’s leader on Sunday nights, ahead of even the departing “Desperate Housewives.”
The series will return with Season 2 in the fall.
