Marvel eyes Monster director for Thor 2

Marvel has been on the lookout for someone to helm Thor 2 ever since Kenneth Branagh revealed he was no longer interested in the superhero franchise. Deadline reports that the studio may be close to finding a replacement.

Despite reports in August that Game of Thrones helmer Brian Kirk was eyeing the director’s chair, Deadline say Monster director Patty Jenkins is close to securing the gig.

Jenkins – who directed Charlize Theron to an Oscar win back in 2003, as well as episodes of Arrested Development and The Killing – would be an interesting choice, just as Branagh was before her.

Chris Hemsworth will return as Thor in the sequel, which is currently set for release July 26, 2013. He will next be seen, however, in Joss Whedon‘s The Avengers, arriving in cinemas May 2012.

Discuss: Could a female director bring a fresh twist to the normally testosterone-heavy superhero genre?