Due to his commitment to the NBC drama Hannibal, Mads Mikkelsen is unable to play the role of the villain in Thor: The Dark World. Luckily another actor has stepped in to fill his shoes.

Christopher Eccleston will play the role of Malekith The Accursed in the upcoming film. The Hollywood Reporter confirmed the casting along with the identity of the villain. Like Captain America: The Winter Soldier, the answer as to who the villain was lied in the film’s subtitle, The Dark World.

Eccleston is best known for his roles in Danny Boyle’s Shallow Grave and 28 Days Later and is known for being the ninth Doctor on the hit show Doctor Who.

Though Mikkelsen had a dark and chilling presence, it looks as though Marvel Studios is aiming towards something like the header photo above.

Details for the film are being kept in the dark, but Marvel Studios Pres. Kevin Feige has said that Thor: The Dark World would explore other realms.

Game of Thrones helmer Alan Taylor is directing Thor: The Dark World.

Marvel had no comment about the casting, but what are your thoughts about Eccleston joining the cast of the film?

[Source: THR]