Patty Jenkins Out as Thor 2 Director
Posted 12.07.11 by Ryan
Will no one direct Thor 2?
After Kenneth Branagh decided not to return for a sequel to his blockbuster adaptation of Thor — in an exit described as "mutual and amicable" — it was Patty Jenkins (Monster) that eventually won the job over a long list of contenders. However, it looks like Jenkins has parted ways with the Marvel sequel. "I have had a great time working at Marvel," Jenkins told THR. "We parted on very good terms, and I look forward to working with them again."
Deadline reports that Jenkins left the sequel's director's chair over "creative differences," and Marvel Studios needs to find a new director fast if the sequel has any chance to make its November 15, 2013 release date. Game of Thrones director Brian Kirk was reportedly Marvel's top choice prior to Jenkins, but he is now attached to two new directing projects and may be too busy to be reconsidered. Noam Murro (the upcoming 300: Battle of Artemisia), Breck Eisner (The Crazies), Drew Goddard (Cabin in the Woods) and James McTeigue (Ninja Assassin) were also considered earlier, and, with the exception of Murro, could be reconsidered for the job.
Jenkins' exit will likely come as a surprise to the Thor 2 cast, as she had clearly won them over. Tom Hiddleston just recently admitted to sitting down with the director and Thor star Chris Hemsworth in London and praised the director's understanding of the character of Thor. Prior to Jenkins' confirmation as Thor 2 director, Hemsworth had also spoken highly of her, revealing that Jenkins had a "great take on the story and a solid grasp on that kind of universe." Said Jenkins of meeting with her cast: "I met with all the actors and to my surprise, here we are," indicating that the "creative differences" may have been on Marvel's end.
It's still possible that Jenkins may yet direct a movie for Marvel. In October, Joshua Dallas, who played Thor's comrade-in-arms, Fandral the Dashing, said that the people at Marvel are "in love with [Jenkins]", something Jenkins basically confirmed. "I have a long love of superhero films and I'd been saying over and over again to my agents at CAA that I'd like to do one," Jenkins admitted to THR. "That's the real revolution. The Marvel guys are so brave in terms of who they choose overall, and I don't think they had any pause about me being a woman."
No story details about Thor 2 have been officially revealed, though Marvel Studios President of Production Kevin Feige has said that the sequel will focus on Thor and Jane Foster's (Natalie Portman) relationship, Thor's "new dynamic" with his father, Odin (Anthony Hopkins), and "the broader stakes for The Nine Worlds." Thor screenwriter Don Payne is writing the script.