Marvel Looks to ‘Game of Thrones’ for New ‘Thor 2’ Director

Marvel Studios' search for a new director for Thor 2 is well underway. After Thor director Kenneth Branagh and the studio agreed to part ways, Monster director Patty Jenkins signed on early this fall. Then Jenkins unexpectedly departed the project earlier this week due to creative differences, so that left no director on a film that wants to start shooting sometime next year to make its November 2013 release date.

The Hollywood Reporter has word that the two possible replacements are virtual no-names: Alan Taylor and Daniel Minahan. Both have respectable television directing credits, many with HBO, and both on fantasy hit Game of Thrones. This doesn't come as a shock, seeing as Marvel had reportedly pursued "Thrones" director Brian Kirk before hiring Jenkins. Someone who can do action and fantasy in a gritty, character-driven style would seem ideal, and "Thrones" was nothing if not that.

Taylor has in particular directed episodes of Boardwalk Empire, The Sopranos, Mad Men and most recently the pilot of NBC's The Playboy Club. Minahan has done the same with True Blood, Deadwood and Grey's Anatomy.

Marvel has also been looking for someone else to toy with the script. THR also reports John Collee (Master and Commander), Robert Rodat (Saving Private Ryan) and Roger Avary (Pulp Fiction) are all being considered for additional writing work. The original draft was written by Thor co-writer Don Payne.

It seems rather certain given Jenkins' departure that Marvel has a particular vision for the film and isn't looking for big ideas so much as someone who can come in an execute. 

Thor 2 is expected on November 15, 2013 and will star Chris Hemsworth and Natalie Portman.