Will this be the project that gets Patrick Doyle back on track? The possibility of writing an awesome, large-scale orchestral score is certainly there with this Marvel character. From what people have written, the script is apparently promising as well.
This was announced officially with a date today along with Marvel's other projects for the next couple of years (including the SPIDER-MAN musical from Julie Taymor and Bono & The Edge).
Hopefully CAPTAIN AMERICA will receive a similar "first class" treatment, because I personally think Branagh is an excellent choice.
Marvel Studios Entertainment Pipeline
(According to its 4th quarter earnings report. Scheduled release dates are subject to change)
*Self-Produced Feature Film Line-Up
Iron Man 2 (Marvel), scheduled for May 7, 2010 release, starts principal photography in April -- directed by Jon Favreau, stars Robert Downey Jr, Gwyneth Paltrow and Don Cheadle
Thor (Marvel), scheduled for July 16, 2010 release, directed by Kenneth Branagh
The First Avenger: Captain America (Marvel), Scheduled for May 6, 2011 release
The Avengers (Marvel), scheduled for July 15, 2011 release
*Licensed Feature Film Line-Up
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (Fox), scheduled for May 1, 2009 release
*Self-Produced Animated TV Series Line-Up
Super Hero Squad (Marvel Animation) 26 thirty-minute episodes in production with Film Roman, scheduled for Q3 2009 release on Cartoon Network
The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes (Marvel Animation) 26 thirty-minute episodes in production with Film Roman; scheduled for Q3 2011 release
*Licensed Animated TV Series Line-Up
Fantastic Four: World’s Greatest Heroes (Moonscoop SAS - France), 26 thirty-minute episodes airing internationally and on Marvel.com and Marvelkids.com
Spectacular Spider-Man (Culver Studios - U.S.) Will air on Disney XD in the U.S. beginning in March and currently airing on various networks internationally
Wolverine and the X-Men (Marvel Animation / First Serve Toonz - India), 52 thirty-minute episodes. Episodes 1-26 are currently airing on Nicktoons in the U.S. and are on air internationally, Episodes 27-52 are currently in pre-production
Black Panther (Marvel Animation / BET) 8 thirty-minute episodes in production, scheduled for Q2 2009 release on BET
Iron Man: Armored Adventures (Marvel Animation / Method Films - France) 26 thirty-minute episodes in production, scheduled for Q2 2009 release in the U.S. on Nicktoons and various networks internationally
*Licensed Animated Direct-to-DVD Projects
Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow (Lionsgate), released September 2, 2008
Hulk Vs. (Lionsgate), released January 13, 2009
Thor: Son of Asgard (Lionsgate), scheduled for September 2009 release
*Licensed Broadway Stage Project
Spider-Man, the Musical, Julie Taymor director; music & lyrics by U2’s Bono and The Edge
(Hello Entertainment/David Garfinkle, Martin McCallum, Marvel Entertainment/David Maisel, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Jeremiah Harris)
Slated for a February 2010 opening
Kenneth Branagh Directing THOR
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AndyDursin
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AndyDursin
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Guess I missed the memo before Christmas, lol. Here's a story where Branagh talks about it...
EXCLUSIVE: Kenneth Branagh Breaks Silence On ‘Thor,’ Says Casting Talk Is Premature
It’s been over two months since word broke that Marvel was courting Kenneth Branagh to direct their next big-screen re-launch of one of their cherished heroes, Thor. And since then we’ve heard nary a peep from Branagh himself. At today’s junket for “Valkyrie,” MTV News caught up with the actor/filmmaker and of course brought up the project.
“I am directing “Thor” or “The Mighty Thor’ as you might like to call it,” he said with a smile before clarifying what the title of the film will be. “I think it will be ‘Thor.’”
MTV has spoken to other writers about why Branagh would be such a good fit for the hero. But here was finally an opportunity to hear from Branagh about what appealed to him about the project. So what’s the appeal of “Thor,” Kenneth? “To work on a story about one of the immortals, Gods, extraordinary beings, inter-dimensional creatures,” he enthused.
He continued excitedly, “There’s science fiction and science fact and fantasy all woven into one. It’s based on Norse legends which Marvel sort of raided in a brilliant way.
So who will play Branagh’s hero? Asked about the rumors of Kevin McKidd being up for the role, the director waved it off as premature speculation.
“There’s been lots of talk [about casting] — I sound like a politician — but we are too early at this stage. We’re getting the story and the visual effects together and all of that is very exciting. Someone sensational is going to play the part but it is early days.”
Just because Branagh hasn’t worked on a project of this scale since “Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein,” fear not. This “Thor” promises to be as large as the character would seem to call out for. “It’s a chance to tell a big story on a big scale,” said Branagh. “It’s a human story right in the center of a big epic scenario.”
http://splashpage.mtv.com/2008/12/13/ex ... premature/
EXCLUSIVE: Kenneth Branagh Breaks Silence On ‘Thor,’ Says Casting Talk Is Premature
It’s been over two months since word broke that Marvel was courting Kenneth Branagh to direct their next big-screen re-launch of one of their cherished heroes, Thor. And since then we’ve heard nary a peep from Branagh himself. At today’s junket for “Valkyrie,” MTV News caught up with the actor/filmmaker and of course brought up the project.
“I am directing “Thor” or “The Mighty Thor’ as you might like to call it,” he said with a smile before clarifying what the title of the film will be. “I think it will be ‘Thor.’”
MTV has spoken to other writers about why Branagh would be such a good fit for the hero. But here was finally an opportunity to hear from Branagh about what appealed to him about the project. So what’s the appeal of “Thor,” Kenneth? “To work on a story about one of the immortals, Gods, extraordinary beings, inter-dimensional creatures,” he enthused.
He continued excitedly, “There’s science fiction and science fact and fantasy all woven into one. It’s based on Norse legends which Marvel sort of raided in a brilliant way.
So who will play Branagh’s hero? Asked about the rumors of Kevin McKidd being up for the role, the director waved it off as premature speculation.
“There’s been lots of talk [about casting] — I sound like a politician — but we are too early at this stage. We’re getting the story and the visual effects together and all of that is very exciting. Someone sensational is going to play the part but it is early days.”
Just because Branagh hasn’t worked on a project of this scale since “Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein,” fear not. This “Thor” promises to be as large as the character would seem to call out for. “It’s a chance to tell a big story on a big scale,” said Branagh. “It’s a human story right in the center of a big epic scenario.”
http://splashpage.mtv.com/2008/12/13/ex ... premature/
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Monterey Jack
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AndyDursin
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I don't think they're quite near that stage of stretching to find material. If IRON MAN can do huge dollars it gives hope for Thor & Captain America, who are about as equal to Iron Man on the comic book popularity scale (or used to be, back when I used to read comics).
Hell, all three of them are a lot more popular than BLADE ever was, even though the latter somehow spawned three movies and a TV series for a book, and a character, that was relatively obscure!
It might look like stretching but it's worth noting that the Marvel universe, for many years, was woefully underpresented cinematically. Beyond the Hulk TV series and the occasional short-lived TV series or TV films (like Spidey, or the Captain America and Dr. Strange flicks from the late '70s), Marvel's characters were wrapped up in a massive web of tangled rights and other issues. Now that they've gotten them ironed out after many years you'll be seeing a lot of projects that could've been made years, if not decades ago, but couldn't. And unlike DC Marvel has a LOT of "supporting" characters to tap into with big-screen potential -- like Wolverine or any number of other X-people.
Clearly they are smartly trying to position Thor and Captain America so that THE AVENGERS will undoubtedly be one of the big movies of 2011 and be the start of what is likely to be a long-running franchise a la X-MEN. (Growing up I always preferred The Avengers myself, of course I'm looking like a geek here, lol). And they're financing most of these films now themselves so they have total creative control. Hiring guys like Favreau and especially Branagh instead of a succession of Michael Bay disciples is smart, and I think the way in which these movies are moving forward is likewise wise. They're not overextending themselves but focusing on 1 or 2 big movies a year as well.
That said if they get to the ANT-MAN project I think we're safely at that stage of stretching, lol.
Hell, all three of them are a lot more popular than BLADE ever was, even though the latter somehow spawned three movies and a TV series for a book, and a character, that was relatively obscure!
It might look like stretching but it's worth noting that the Marvel universe, for many years, was woefully underpresented cinematically. Beyond the Hulk TV series and the occasional short-lived TV series or TV films (like Spidey, or the Captain America and Dr. Strange flicks from the late '70s), Marvel's characters were wrapped up in a massive web of tangled rights and other issues. Now that they've gotten them ironed out after many years you'll be seeing a lot of projects that could've been made years, if not decades ago, but couldn't. And unlike DC Marvel has a LOT of "supporting" characters to tap into with big-screen potential -- like Wolverine or any number of other X-people.
Clearly they are smartly trying to position Thor and Captain America so that THE AVENGERS will undoubtedly be one of the big movies of 2011 and be the start of what is likely to be a long-running franchise a la X-MEN. (Growing up I always preferred The Avengers myself, of course I'm looking like a geek here, lol). And they're financing most of these films now themselves so they have total creative control. Hiring guys like Favreau and especially Branagh instead of a succession of Michael Bay disciples is smart, and I think the way in which these movies are moving forward is likewise wise. They're not overextending themselves but focusing on 1 or 2 big movies a year as well.
That said if they get to the ANT-MAN project I think we're safely at that stage of stretching, lol.
Last edited by AndyDursin on Tue Feb 24, 2009 5:31 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Why do I get the feeling they were sitting around trying to think of movie ideas and someone said "That Thor guy has a cape like the guys in '300' did, and he has a hammer, too!"
"Yeah--a cape, like the '300' guys!"
Next up: Mr. MxyMxyzptlk--The Movie
"Yeah--a cape, like the '300' guys!"
Next up: Mr. MxyMxyzptlk--The Movie
Last edited by JSWalsh on Tue Feb 24, 2009 5:29 pm, edited 1 time in total.
John
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Monterey Jack
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AndyDursin
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AndyDursin
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I think they were more concerned with introducing Thor & Capt. America before they roll out the Avengers movie, and both of those caped crusaders are key parts of that "team."JSWalsh wrote:Why do I get the feeling they were sitting around trying to think of movie ideas and someone said "That Thor guy has a cape like the guys in '300' did, and he has a hammer, too!"
"Yeah--a cape, like the '300' guys!"
Next up: Mr. MxyMxyzptlk--The Movie
Should be fun, even if Branagh goes absurdly over the top with it, it'd make for a good time. And probably be better than 300 in the process too!
Considering they have 90% of the Marvel universe to choose from for AVENGERS, I don't think they were bound to use Thor as a character. As with the X-MEN I am sure they chose the characters very carefully. Let's me honest, it'd be very easy to have Thor look campy with that pointy helmet and the cape and the kneehigh boots, so they weren't sitting around saying "Well, I guess we HAVE to drop a hundred mil on this guy because we can't not have him in AVENGERS, so..."
John
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Monterey Jack
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AndyDursin
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He was a major part of that book though, at least from what I recall he was always in it. I agree it would be easy to have it be camp. I would suspect with Branagh though that the mythological elements and the drama will be heightened beyond that level, which is probably why he was brought onboard.JSWalsh wrote:Considering they have 90% of the Marvel universe to choose from for AVENGERS, I don't think they were bound to use Thor as a character. As with the X-MEN I am sure they chose the characters very carefully. Let's me honest, it'd be very easy to have Thor look campy with that pointy helmet and the cape and the kneehigh boots, so they weren't sitting around saying "Well, I guess we HAVE to drop a hundred mil on this guy because we can't not have him in AVENGERS, so..."
For what it's worth most of the "buzz" from the movie news sites that read the script (or whatever draft circulated about) said it was very, very good. Surprisingly so, because I didn't think it held a lot of potential myself (I never read THOR), but the consensus was that the story itself was strong. Not that Branagh has been turning out A-grade movies of his own lately, but I suspect he probably wouldn't have just jumped into it just to cash a check.
Obviously we'll see soon enough...I hope the casting works out for them. Paging a young Vincent D'Onfrio!
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Paul MacLean
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I'm very intrigued by the prospect of Branagh tackling a comic character. I've always been a great admirer of his; Henry V and Much Ado About Nothing are two of the best Shakespeare movies ever made. Overall Branagh has produced a unique and eclectic body of work (and even Frankenstein is at least a noble failure). I wish he had done the third Harry Potter film.
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John Johnson
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Brian Blessed in Thor?
I hope so!!
Could this be the casting news of the decade? Is Brian Blessed really joining Kenneth Branagh’s film of Marvel’s Thor?
Published on Jun 3, 2009
This particular story, should it prove to be true, could be one of the finest pieces of news this writer has had the pleasure of writing up all year. Because Den Of Geek favourite, the quiet and reserved Mr Brian Blessed, is apparently being lined up for a role in the film Thor.
Thor is being directed by Kenneth Branagh, who has cast Blessed in his films before, and the rumour mill suggests that he's about to give him another role, this time as Odin. Odin is the father of Thor, who is being played by Chris Hemsworth in the film.
Thor isn't due out until 2011, but we'd go out and buy a mighty hammer ourselves if it in any way made this story be 100% true. We suspect that it is, but until we get official confirmation, we'll just have to content ourselves with watching a video of the mighty man Blessed in action.
When the news does get confirmed, we'll celebrate, of course, by posting some more clips. It's only right.
http://www.denofgeek.com/movies/261236/ ... _cast.html
I hope so!!
Could this be the casting news of the decade? Is Brian Blessed really joining Kenneth Branagh’s film of Marvel’s Thor?
Published on Jun 3, 2009
This particular story, should it prove to be true, could be one of the finest pieces of news this writer has had the pleasure of writing up all year. Because Den Of Geek favourite, the quiet and reserved Mr Brian Blessed, is apparently being lined up for a role in the film Thor.
Thor is being directed by Kenneth Branagh, who has cast Blessed in his films before, and the rumour mill suggests that he's about to give him another role, this time as Odin. Odin is the father of Thor, who is being played by Chris Hemsworth in the film.
Thor isn't due out until 2011, but we'd go out and buy a mighty hammer ourselves if it in any way made this story be 100% true. We suspect that it is, but until we get official confirmation, we'll just have to content ourselves with watching a video of the mighty man Blessed in action.
When the news does get confirmed, we'll celebrate, of course, by posting some more clips. It's only right.
http://www.denofgeek.com/movies/261236/ ... _cast.html
London. Greatest City in the world.
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John Johnson
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