Just a day out of from its first day of principal photography, “Thor” loses a cast member.

Stuart Townsend, the actor best known for his role as Lestat in the crap-tastic “Queen of the Damned”, has departed his role as Fandral, an ally of Norse god Thor.The official reason for his exit? “Creative differences” – in other words, someone asked for too much money, or someone didn’t appreciate the lack of screen time he had (whatever the real reason behind Townsend’s departure, it’ll be leaked before weeks end).

Joshua Dallas (“The Descent 2″) has replaced Townsend as Fandral, says The Hollywood Reporter.

This isn’t the first time Townsend has exited a moment at the last minute. A few years back he was replaced by Viggo Mortensen as Aragon in “The Lord of the Rings” at the 11th hour.

If, as one might assume, Townsend cracked the shits and walked off the film (can’t see the studio replacing anyone a day out from filming), I think he’s really screwed himself. Townsend hasn’t been in a biggish film in ages (was his last commercial release “Trapped”!?), so this could’ve been a great Band-Aid to his slightly wounded career.

“Thor”, starring Australia’s Chris Hemsworth in the lead, opens May 6, 2011.