‘Thor: Ragnarok’ Reportedly Eyes Kenneth Branagh to Return as Director

Just a few days ago, it was reported that 20th Century Fox wants Kenneth Branagh to direct their upcoming remake of Murder on the Orient Express, but it seems like another major studio is also interested in acquiring his services: Marvel reportedly wants the Thor director to return for Thor: Ragnarok. Decisions, decisions.

Heroic Hollywood’s Umberto Gonzalez appeared on Popcorn Talk (via JoBlo), where he revealed a bit of information he’s heard about the third Thor film:

I was hearing that Marvel wanted Kenneth Branagh back for ‘Thor 3′. But, he just got an offer to direct ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ at Fox. So, I don’t know if it is going to happen or not. They’re thinking about bringing him back into the fold.

Branagh most recently directed Disney’s live-action Cinderella, which was not only a huge hit at the box office, but a hit with critics and audiences alike. The director is also well-known for his Shakespearean adaptations, and recent reports have suggested that Martin Scorsese is interested in bringing Branagh’s stage version of Macbeth to the big screen.

It’s unclear if Branagh is even interested in returning to the franchise — both Thor films typically rank lower with fans, and both have their share of strengths and weaknesses. So far, we know both Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston are set to reprise their roles as Thor and Loki, respectively, with Ragnarok’s story line providing the reason why we won’t see Hemsworth in Captain America: Civil War.

Thor: Ragnarok is currently scheduled for a November 3, 2017 release — leaving Marvel more than enough time to find the right director.

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