Isn't this the second time in a row that Marvel has listed Thor as having a "writer engaged" but no director? I thought it was probably some sort of error before, but now...
Realistically, I think the only two choices we can expect are Ant-Man or Thor. They really only have maybe 4-5 months before need to start shooting to really be able to make it for a Summer 2009 date, and Ant-man and Thor are, as far as we know, the farthest along.
They really wouldn't have time to say, finish up the Captain America script, hire their director, let him go through the script on his own, hire the actors, re-write the script to fit the actors' strengths, start pre-production work, re-writing the script all along, and then start filming.
Avengers would be even worse off. There was some doubt before, but it's very clear with all cameos and crossovers in Iron Man and Hulk that Marvel ARE creating a connected film universe, so by extension Avengers would be part of that, meaning they intend to get back Robert Downey, Jr. and Edward Norton. It's way, way, way WAY too soon for that. Norton finished shooting Hulk only just a few months ago, and both films will probably be in theaters by the time Avengers would be shooting. No way they could do it on such short notice. Plus, presuming that Ant-Man, Thor, and Captain America would be in it, too. This would be the first time we would be seeing the Marvel Film Universe (Or, Marvel F U) incarnations of the characters. Which doesn't seem wise, IMO. It's better to make sure you've got the best possible actors for their solo series first, and THEN stick them into the team movie. Rather than hire people for the team movie first, where undoubtedly not as much attention will be paid to the casting since there would be so much of it, and then stick them in the solo films where they may or may not work.
So Ant-Man or Thor it is.
