KENNETH BRANAGH - BRANAGH READY FOR THOR DIRECTING JOB

BRANAGH READY FOR THOR DIRECTING JOB

KENNETH BRANAGH is ready to start directing forthcoming superhero flick THOR, it has been revealed.

Speaking to Empire magazine, Kevin Feige, president of production at Marvel Studios, explained that the Shakespearean actor is ready to get behind the camera and has already set up some "spectacular animatics" for the film's firm action scene.

However, it seems like there's still a long way to go before shooting actually starts, with the script being drafted and none of the lead roles filled.

"We're looking to cast Loki and Odin soon, and the main female role. And we'll also hopefully have lockdown shortly," Feige said.

Production is due to start early next year and there should be a lot of announcements between now and then, he added.

Feige also revealed plans for a move version of THE AVENGERS, which will see many of Marvel's comic book characters appear in the same film.

The film is being written by Zak Penn, who is currently looking at other movie projects including Thor, IRON MAN, and CAPTAIN AMERICA to see how they will all tie together, he explained.

"He's beginning to outline the script now – he'll be doing that over the summer," Feige stated.

Meanwhile, working is progressing on IRON MAN 2 which will see ROBERT DOWNEY JR reprise his role in the original movie.

The picture will also star MICKEY ROURKE, SCARLETT JOHANSSON and Larry Sanders star GARRY SHANDLING.

According to producers, the film will be released in the US on May 7th of next year