Oscar-winning actors joining genre flicks is nothing new (just look at Lupita Nyong'o in "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" for the latest example), but this recent bit of casting scoop is truly surprising: Cate Blanchett is reportedly in talks to join "Thor: Ragnarok."

According to Variety, Blanchett is currently negotiating to "play one of the new female leads" in the upcoming Marvel flick, which is due out in late 2017. Though it would be the actress's first foray into the world of comic book flicks, she does have some experience in fanboy fair, with a starring role in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, which she later reprised in the "Hobbit" films.

But Blanchett is once again in the midst of awards season talk, thanks to her titular turn in the drama "Carol," and her reported decision to line up a tentpole flick as her next project is a bit eyebrow-raising. Then again, Marvel is probably offering some serious dough for whatever part she may play, and her Aussie connection to "Thor" star Chris Hemsworth probably doesn't hurt, either.

And using her Oscar work as an example (a Best Supporting Actress statuette for portraying fellow Academy Award winner Katharine Hepburn in "The Aviator," a Best Actress trophy for "Blue Jasmine"), Blanchett truly can play it all, so it's likely that she'd fit right in to the MCU. Marvel declined to comment on Variety's report, so we'll have to wait for official word before we know this is a done deal. But it's an intriguing prospect, and we're certainly curious to see the actress in action, should this news pan out. Stay tuned.

"Thor: Ragnarok" is due in theaters on November 3, 2017.



Photo credit: Getty Images for AFI