Thor 2 Director Announced (Again)
Posted 12.26.11 by Ryan
Marvel Studios has named its director for its upcoming sequel Thor 2. Again.
When Marvel initially announced Thor 2, Thor director Kenneth Branagh left the project in an exit that was reportedly "mutual and amicable". Director Patty Jenkins (Monster) eventually replaced Branagh in October over a long list of contenders, only to exit the sequel over "creative differences" earlier this month. Jenkins' exit did not sit well with Natalie Portman, who urged Marvel to hire Jenkins in the first place, leaving the Academy Award–winning actress "deeply upset" over the decision, according to THR. Portman is still contractually obligated to appear in the sequel.
With a Nov. 15, 2013 release date already scheduled for Thor 2, Marvel had to find a replacement fast and, just days after Jenkins' exit, were considering Alan Taylor (Palookaville) and Daniel Minahan (Series 7: The Contenders), both of whom had separately helmed episodes of HBO's Game of Thrones. According to Deadline, Marvel has decided on Taylor to direct Thor 2, which should keep the sequel on track for its release date.
Now Marvel just needs to settle on a new screenwriter. Initially, Thor co-screenwriter Don Payne was confirmed to be writing the sequel's script, but, a few weeks ago, Marvel was reported to be looking for another screenwriter to take over. The contenders include John Collee (Master and Commander: Far Side of the World), Robert Rodat (Saving Private Ryan, TNT's Falling Skies), Roger Avary (Pulp Fiction, Silent Hill), and, possibly Sheldon Turner (Up in Air). Payne has already finished a draft, and it would seem that the new screenwriter will be required only to rewrite Payne's script.
Thor 2 will see the return of Chris Hemsworth as the god of thunder, Tom Hiddleston as Thor's duplicitous half-brother Loki, and Portman as Jane Foster. Marvel president Kevin Feige has said that the sequel will will focus on Thor and Jane's relationship, Thor's "new dynamic" with his father, Odin (Anthony Hopkins), and "the broader stakes for The Nine Worlds."