Kenneth Branagh to direct Thor

[Lighthouse]

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117993032.html?categoryid=13&cs=1

Branagh in talks to direct 'Thor'
Brit set to wield hammer on Marvel Studios pic
By MICHAEL FLEMING

Kenneth Branagh is negotiating to direct "Thor," the next Marvel Comics property that will be turned into a live-action film by Marvel Studios. Pic will be released in 2010.

Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige's choice of Branagh is surprising, as Branagh hasn't really directed an action-heavy film since his debut on "Henry V," a bloody telling of the British king's conquest of France.

Branagh is the latest in a string of directors -- such as Jon Favreau ("Iron Man"), Christopher Nolan (the Batman franchise) and Gavin Hood ("X-Men Origins: Wolverine") -- with arthouse roots taking on big-budget comicbook fare.

Marvel will set a distributor for "Thor" shortly.

"Thor" comicbook adaptation, penned by Mark Protosevich, follows disabled medical student Donald Blake, who has an alter ego as the hammer-wielding Norse god Thor.

Marvel will self-finance the film via its $500 million credit facility through Merrill Lynch. Marvel used that coin to fund both "Iron Man" and "The Incredible Hulk" and will do the same for the "Iron Man" sequel that has director Favreau and star Robert Downey Jr. returning.

The "Thor" negotiations come during a resurgence for Branagh. He's currently drawing raves on the London stage in the title role of "Ivanov," and he'll next be seen acting in the Richard Curtis-directed "The Boat That Rocked" and the Bryan Singer-helmed "Valkyrie."

I'm completely divided on this choice. I think his "Hamlet" and "Henry V" are the best Shakespeare movies ever made, and he's a pretty solid director, but he's had some pretty terrible movies as well. Lets just hope he doesn't pull a Frankenstein.

 

[Chewy]

I just saw this elsewhere and came here to post it. Out of left field, kinda like Favs. I like.

 

[Lighthouse]

Is it just me, or is anyone else getting a password screen when they try to visit Variety?

 

[Franklin Richards]

This is great news for Thor fans.

 

[Chewy]

I was, I think the site was down for about 5 minutes. It's back up now.

 

[CHEZ]

How is Kenneth Branagh a good choice?

I'm not against him, I just don't understand how this is great news.

This has come completely out of left field.

 

[Chewy]

I'm just glad it isn't Brett Ratner.

 

[Lighthouse]

How is Kenneth Branagh a good choice?

I'm not against him, I just don't understand how this is great news.

This has come completely out of left field.

Yeah I'm pretty split on it. He's been a pretty hit and miss director.

Man, its really weird. I can't get back on to Variety.

 

[Kirk Langstrom]

This should be on the front page!

 

[bunk]

Professor Lockhart? I haven't seen any of the movies he directed.

 

[Project862006]

Gore Verbinski should direct a super hero movie

 

[Lighthouse]

Gore Verbinski should direct a super hero movie

He's gonna be busy with Bioshock.

 

[Negrotigre]

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117993032.html?categoryid=13&cs=1



I'm completely divided on this choice. I think his "Hamlet" and "Henry V" are the best Shakespeare movies ever made, and he's a pretty solid director, but he's had some pretty terrible movies as well. Lets just hope he doesn't pull a Frankenstein.

Totally agree; Hamlet was a master work of acting and direction. But he can get on a tangent sometimes and come up with a Frankenstein, or just overact his butt off on occasion. Reign him in and things can be good. One thing's for sure, Marvel's definitely thinking outside of the box and using people with real talent.

 

[LostSon88]

Interesting.

But isn't he known moreso for being an actor?

 

[Kirk Langstrom]

How is Kenneth Branagh a good choice?

I think it's a good choice in that he's heavily involved, professionally and socially, with many quality actors whom he would be able to bring aboard the project, plus he has MANY years expierience as both an actor AND director...

 

[Matt Mortem]

Interesting.

But isn't he known moreso for being an actor?

yes and no. He's directed alot of shakespearian movies which were all amazing

 

[The Major]

I think it's a good choice in that he's heavily involved, professionally and socially, with many quality actors whom he would be able to bring aboard the project, plus he has MANY years expierience as both an actor AND director...

Agreed.

It would be a great boon for Marvel to have him direct Thor.

 

[Sava]

wow...shocked, i hope he can pull it off.

 

[KangConquers]

best news for this movie so far...sure Branaugh has had some misses...but this is a guy who's created legitimate cinematic classics.

See Henry V or Hamlet and tell me Branagh is a poor choice.

 

[Kevin Roegele]

Marvel need to be careful this isn't an Ang Lee Hulk all over again. A great director, but not a commercial one. Can Branagh do an action adventure movie?

 

[Neto Magnus]

say whaaaa? I hope he plays Loki too.

 

[Gotham]

This is certainly out of left field.

I'm very happy, however. It's very reminiscent of Favreau taking on Iron Man, and I'm eager to see Branagh's vision for this character.

 

[Metamorpho1977]

Marvel need to be careful this isn't an Ang Lee Hulk all over again. A great director, but not a commercial one. Can Branagh do an action adventure movie?

This is what I'm afraid of. Branagh is a capable director, and I think he can do it as long as he don't do like Ang Lee, and over think the characters.

 

[Compi716]

This is veeeerrrrrrrry interesting. I can't wait to hear what Branagh has to say regarding Thor.

 

[Lighthouse]

I think it's a good choice in that he's heavily involved, professionally and socially, with many quality actors whom he would be able to bring aboard the project, plus he has MANY years expierience as both an actor AND director...

It hadn't occurred to me that he could bring a lot of talent to Thor. If anyone can bring good actors to a project, its Branagh.