We've known for a long time that Marvel Studios planned to include Balder the Brave (Thor's brother in the comic books) in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Initial reports suggested Bruce Campbell would play the Asgardian, though it's still unclear whether he actually shot any of those scenes before Mister Fantastic and Black Bolt were added to the mix.
Since then, it's been revealed that Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery star Daniel Craig was actually eyed to play Balder, with concept art even showing what the former James Bond would have looked like as The Illuminati member.
During a recent interview with Josh Horowitz, Craig was asked outright whether he's heard of a character called Balder the Brave. "Err, no," the actor initially responded, clearly feigning ignorance. "Unbelievable, isn't it? [Laughs] I don't know what you're talking about."
Rumour has it Craig had to pass on a role in the Doctor Strange sequel due to the pandemic and his commitments to No Time to Die. However, the way he's acting here suggests Marvel Studios has asked him to keep quiet, possibly because there are plans for him in the MCU down the line.
When Horowitz quizzed the actor on whether a Marvel role would be of interest, he said: "I'll take any job if the hours are good. Sure. Absolutely. Definitely [Laughs]."
Whether it's as Balder or another character altogether, we have a pretty strong feeling there's a role being lined up for Craig in the MCU. He clearly knows something, and as the Balder cameo didn't happen, there's really no other reason for him to act so secretively. Perhaps the plan is for Thor's brother to show up in one of the upcoming Avengers movies?
Check out the full interview with Craig below, and let us know your thoughts in the comments section.