How does doing Thor compare to doing Chekhov?

अभिनय is अभिनय whether you’re doing it in Asgard या in 19th century Russia.

Have आप suffered from sibling rivalry such as Loki and Thor?

I have two sisters – one older, one younger – and I प्यार them very much. Unlike with Loki and Thor, I’ve never tried to kill them. My relationship to the brotherhood aspect of the Thor and Loki relationship is that I have फ्रेंड्स who have become honorary brothers. It’s something everyone understands. Whether it’s Cain and Abel या Edmund and Edgar in King Lear, warring brothers is a classic storytelling theme.

Your younger sister is an actress. When she कहा she wanted to act did आप feel she was encroaching on your territory?

No, I कहा she should go for it. I think everyone should pursue their dreams. Whether आप want to play football, act, sing, become a writer या whatever आप have burning inside आप as you’re growing up, आप should pursue it. I’m quite protective of her. I worry that sometimes the business doesn’t see her intelligence and wisdom. We work in a business that’s often predicated on how आप look. She’s so grounded, I’m sure she’ll be fine.

What are the other pitfalls of acting?

I don’t think there are any. What people could perceive as pitfalls are things I enjoy. I enjoy not knowing where the अगला job is coming from. I प्यार opening a new diary on New Year’s दिन and thinking: ‘I have no idea what’s going to happen this year.’ I could work in a country I’ve never been to या learn new skills for a role. The breadth of experience is where the रस is for me. In the past साल I’ve played the Norse god of mischief, a British cavalry officer in World War I and a fighter pilot. A part of me has experienced all those things. There’s something amazing about being able to step into these people’s shoes.

Are आप worried Loki will overshadow your career?

Terence Stamp is often remembered for General Zod in सुपरमैन 2… I hope not. In one way it’s a huge compliment as Terence Stamp’s General Zod has been taken to the hearts and minds of many people who प्यार films. They’ve just cast Michael Shannon as Zod in the new सुपरमैन and people are saying: ‘No one can beat Terence Stamp.’ I’m 30 so I have a few years ahead of me yet to do other things. I think War Horse will surprise people. In Thor I’m the villain and in War Horse I play a decent, kind artist who becomes a cavalry officer. There’s something gracious at the दिल of the character, which is a world away from what I’m doing in Thor.

Are आप going to हटाइए to Hollywood?

I enjoy going to and fro. I live in लंडन and Los Angeles is a wonderful place to go to in the winter. LA gets a terrible rap as a shallow place that’s all about t**s and teeth and silly कुत्ता in Beverly Hills. When I go there, I live on the coast in Venice, which is full of the most amazing technicians – the best cameramen, sound designers, visual effects and concept artists. It’s not as superficial as people think.

Have आप had any on-stage mishaps?

On the opening night of Cymbeline there was a प्रॉप bottle of champagne that was supposed to stay on stage for the first act. I bumped into the table, the champagne bottle tipped over and the first act turned into a bunch of actors trying to avoid a puddle of ginger beer.

What are आप scared of?

I’m terrified of sharks. Nature has designed the ultimate killing machine. I प्यार swimming in the sea and don’t think about sharks until I’m the furthest person out from the shoreline and then the John Williams Jaws theme starts in my head.