According to Heroic Hollywood founder and film journalist Umberto Gonzales via an interview on Popcorn Talk, Marvel Studios is reportedly eyeing Kenneth Branagh to direct "Thor: Ragnarok," the third film in the "Thor" movie series and a part of Phase 3 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Gonzales said that Marvel is thinking about bringing Branagh back, although there is no certainty if this will push through since the director has been offered to helm Fox's "Murder on the Orient Express."
Branagh handled the first "Thor" film which was released back in 2011. The 2013 sequel, "Thor: The Dark World," was directed by "Game of Thrones" and "Mad Men" veteran Alan Taylor. Branagh stepped down for the second film, stating that the production was moving too swiftly for him. Branagh took a break for some time until 2014 when he directed action flick "Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit" and 2015's critically acclaimed live-action "Cinderella."
According to a report from Slash Film, Branagh's deal to direct the remake for "Murder on the Orient Express" is not yet a sealed deal, meaning he could still step back and take up Marvel's offer instead. The director did express interest in handling "Thor: The Dark World" before, and perhaps "Thor: Ragnarok" would give him his chance to re-visit the universe he helped shape.
The report also cites that the difference in Branagh's and Taylor's directing styles are quite obvious, stating that the former handled the story and characters better but was not so well adapted for action while Taylor was the other way around. Taylor is currently finishing up work for "Terminator Genisys" which is scheduled for release this July 1.
"Thor: Ragnarok" is currently scheduled for screening on Nov. 3, 2017 and will see superhero saving Asgard from destruction as he tries to unravel the mysteries of the Infinity Stones.
