Of the directors who’ve worked on Marvel Studios films, only five have been brought back for sequels: Jon Favreau (who directed Iron Man and Iron Man 2 but handed Iron Man 3 to Shane Black), Avengers and Avengers: Age of Ultron‘s Joss Whedon, Guardians of the Galaxy helmer James Gunn, and the Russo Brothers, who left such an impression with Captain America: The Winter Soldier that they now hold the keys to three major upcoming films: Captain America: Civil War and both Avengers: Infinity War installments.
According to a new rumor, that list may gain another member, as Heroic Hollywood’s El Mayimbe is suggesting that Marvel is interested in bringing Kenneth Branagh back into the fold. Branagh directed 2011’s Thor, but it was Alan Taylor who came in to helm its 2013 follow-up, Thor: The Dark World. Now, rumor has it that he may journey across the Bifrost once more and helm 2017’s Thor: Ragnarok.
[zerg]Mayimbe, speaking on the Marvel Movie News Live podcast, states that while Marvel wants Branagh back for another installment, the nine realms may not align in time for it to happen, as Branagh is currently circling Fox’s remake of Murder on the Orient Express. Mayimbe does add that Marvel is “thinking about bringing [Branagh] back into the fold,” however, so perhaps he could come in and helm a different Phase Three film, like Captain Marvel or Black Panther? His recent success with Disney’s live-action Cinderella may have landed him in the studio’s good graces, and proven that he can handle a female-driven tentpole property.
Branagh himself has stated in the past that he’d love to helm the Thor threequel if given the opportunity, so perhaps he’ll be able to find a way to make it happen – if Marvel truly wants him back, that is.
With or without Kenneth Branagh at the helm, Thor: Ragnarok will hit theaters in Midgard on November 3rd, 2017.