Thor 2

According to Variety, Marvel Studios is in negotiations with Brian Kirk as the director of Thor 2. Though his credits come mostly from TV works such as HBO’s Game of Thrones, Boardwalk Empire and Dexter, Kirk will have the challenge of upholding the tradition of the Marvel Universe, as well as adding his own flavor to the mythical God of Thunder.

Kirk replaces former director Kenneth Branagh, who opted not to come back for the sequel for unknown reasons. The departure came as a shock not only to fans, who embraced his Shakespearian ways, but also to star Chris Hemsworth. "Ken built that character, and everything I know about the Thor world I learned while shoulder-to-shoulder with Ken," Hemsworth said. "I learned so much from him."  Obviously Chris Hemsworth will be back as Thor and Tom Hiddleston as Loki, but not much is known about the storyline.  Screenwriter Don Payne is again attached to write the sequel.  A number of other directors were considered for the Thor sequel, among them Noam Murro (300: Battle of Artemesia), Drew Goddard (Cabin in the Woods) and Breck Eisner (The Crazies).

The Irish director’s film is to follow-up Joss Whedon's The Avengers and Shane Black's Iron Man 3, and reported to be released in the summer of 2013. Kirk "rose to the top of the list of directors vying for the job after he showed his abilities to juggle large ensembles" and complex storylines while "also grounding the fantasy genre" in Thrones.