Many critics were surprised when Paramount announced that Kenneth Branagh would direct “Thor.” Branagh made his name with a series of Shakespeare films, including “Henry V” and “Much Ado About Nothing.” After putting on screen the words of the greatest writer the world has known, why would he want to adapt a comic book? Money, perhaps: “Thor” had a production budget of $150 million. It’s made nearly $450 million worldwide. But reports are that Branagh declined the offer to make the inevitable sequel. Now Marvel, which owns the property, has just announced the director of “Thor 2”: Patty Jenkins.
That choice is a bigger surprise than the selection of Branagh was. “Thor” is now a big franchise — star Chris Hemsworth will revive the role in next year’s “The Avengers.” And Jenkins has only directed one feature film. Sure, “Monster” earned star Charlize Theron an Oscar. But it cost just $8 million to make. Jenkins has gone on to direct in the television world, but that’s still a far cry from the heights of a $150 million film.
