Kenneth Branagh Talks Thor: Directing and Casting

The film has been the subject of speculation for some time, but Kenneth Branagh has broken his silence about directing a film version of Marvel’s Thor for Marvel Studios.

In speaking with MTV during the junket for Valkyrie, the acclaimed actor/director said:

“I am directing ‘Thor’ or “The Mighty Thor’ as you might like to call it.”

“I think it will be ‘Thor,’” Branagh then added, clarifying what he feels the title will be.

Branagh said that the appeal of the project for him is all about the science fiction and fantasy that is woven together in Marvel’s God of Thunder, and added that the casting rumors to date – with Kevin McKidd leading the pack - are just that: rumors.

“There’s been lots of talk,” Branagh said. “I sound like a politician — but we are too early at this stage. We’re getting the story and the visual effects together and all of that is very exciting. Someone sensational is going to play the part but it is early days.”

The director assured fans that the human story of Thor will take center stage in the “big epic scenario” that surrounds him.

Thor will be the third part in the Avengers “trilogy” of component movies which also include Iron Man and Captain America. According to Marvel, Thor is due to open in theaters July 16, 2010, and the character will join with Iron Man and Captain America in The Avengers on July 15, 2011.

Iron Man 2 is due in theaters on May 7th, 2010, and Captain America is due in theaters on May 6th, 2011.