"I’m glad I’m not young anymore because you see their insecurities and I always joke along with them," Hopkins laughed during a recent interview while promoting his new movie. "I say things like, ‘Is that the way you’re going to play it?’ Chris and I got to know each other but he was looking nervous and I said, ‘Oh, is that the way you’re going to play it?’ He said, ‘Yeah, is it okay?’ I said, ‘Well, it’s your career."
"They know that I’m joking but you have to have that relaxation to work with actors. If people are nervous around you it’s pointless. So I got that edge and say things."
As for the bulky costume he has to wear as the father of Thor, the Welsh actor said:
"Well, it was hard work. It was carrying 15 pounds of armor on my back or more. 25 pounds I think, but Branagh’s a great director."
"I call him the general," he added while praising the director of the upcoming Marvel Studios movie.
"He’s so self assured and so present and he knows exactly what he wants. I’d never worked with him before and I wouldn’t say I know him well but it was such a pleasant revelation working with him. I don't know what it is about him. He’s very self-assured and a great actor. He brings all his experience to the set. I think he’s terrific."