In May 2012, Mads Mikkelsen began talks to play one of the villains in the film and Anthony Hopkins, who played Odin in the first film, committed to returning in the sequel.
In May 2012, Mads Mikkelsen began talks to play one of the villains in the film. The same day, "Deadline Hollywood" reported that Anthony Hopkins, who played Odin in the first film, was committed to returning in the sequel.