When veteran stage actor and director Kenneth Branagh was named the man to lead the Thor character into theaters, it goes without saying that many fans didn't see it coming. Even Kenneth was surprised at himself for taking on a big summer tentpole under his wings. With the first installment now in the books after a successful run at the theaters---taking in $448.5 million worldwide---the director has stepped aside for someone else to fill that void and it looks like Marvel is still enjoying the surprise factor with the news that Patty Jenkins is the front-runner for the directing gig of the 2013 sequel.
Beyond making the Oscar worthy film Monster back in 2003, Jenkins has remained in the TV medium with bouts on "Arrested Development", "Entourage" and the pilot for AMC's "The Killing." So it seems she's as surprised as Branagh in terms of being a front-runner for the job.
While she wouldn't come out and confirm that she has the job, she was pleased with Marvel's choice and her current negotiations. In a brief interview bit with NY Mag's Vulture column, here's what she had to say on the possibility.
"I can't say, but yes," she said laughing. "I can't say anything definitive, but it's exciting to be in talks with them about it. I think Marvel is really ballsy to think outside the box. And I think everyone they've talked to and hired has been interesting."
Do you think she deserves the chance to take Thor on his next individual adventure? Sound off below.
Thor 2 will strike down theaters July 26, 2013.
There aren't all that many female film directors, period. Most female directors work in television. Kenneth Branah never directed an action movie before Thor, and that worked out just fine. A big reason for that is that everyone else behind the scenes who was working alongside Branah had worked on numerous action flicks. When it comes to an action sequence, the Director of Photography is doing a lot of the heavy lifting.
Samson, you haven't seen Point Break or Near Dark?
I'm okay with this chick getting the gig, if Kevin Feige is sold on her then I don't see why we should have any doubts. His choices for directors have been pretty good even if unconventional so far.
I say give her a chance. People started complaining when Jon Faveru was chosen to direct IronMan, and then those people shut their mouths. Then people complained again when Kenneth Branagh came aboard Thor, and we all know how that turned out. So please, stop your bitching people.
There's nothng wrong with thinking outside the box for these directors. Monster was a brilliant film. Marvel's done a great job with their movies so I trust them. I saw the pilot for The Killing and it was terrific. Maybe these "out of the box" directors work harder to prove themselves so they make better movies and don't just go through the motions making an action film. I don't know if that's the case, but she seems like she's ready to put her all into a big franchise film.
Marvel's movies are action movies, but what I've liked about their movies is the emotion/heart of the films. That's what has always separated Marvel's comics from other companies and that's been injected into the movies. Staright action films are easily forgettable, but action movies with some kind of emotional base stay with you.
I feel like we all just commented on this a few days ago when it was first reported she was in the running, nothing has changed for me and I'm excited to see what she can do! And yeah Point Break is one of my all-time favorite films, directed by a kick-ass chick! I think it's smart for studios to go after tv directors, they know more than anyone how to do a lot with little and developing characters is thier bread and butter!! There is no doubt in my mind that the small screen is producing much better entertainment these days and the big budget movies need to pay more attention to anyone that can direct a watchable couple of hours.
Samson, how about Strange Days? The Hurt Locker? 2000's American Psycho? How about Punisher: Warzone? (granted, not the best movie, but not as bad as I thought it would be).
@Wiseguy
I did see Point Break and Near Dark. Loved Near Dark back in the day. But, it never struck me as an action movie. It was more of horror film with action elements. As far as Point Break goes, I'm very much in the minority. I thought it was just, "meh." I just never saw in it what everyone else did. Don't get me wrong, I didn't hate it. But, it just didn't do anything for me.
@Warcry
I've seen each of those films. Really enjoyed The Hurt Locker. But, it wasn't an action film to me. It had action elements, but it wasn't an action flick. American Psycho was okay. I would have really enjoyed it had a friend not told me all the plot details before I saw. With that aside, American Psycho was a thrilller. Not an action film. Strange Days and that last Punisher movie were not that good.
An example of good action movies to me are Raiders Of The Lost Ark, The Matrix, Desperado, almost anything by John Woo, Big Trouble In Little China, Iron Man, Avatar, True Lies and the first two Spiderman movies. Of course there are more, but I'm sure you understand where I'm coming from.
Those films have a certain pacing and symetry that are missing from the female directed films, as well a lot of male directed ones. I'm not saying she can't pull it off. I'm a huge fan of The Killing. I've just not seen a woman do it ... yet.
As I wrote earlier, I'm waiting until I see it before I make any judgements. So, either way, I'll be there on opening weekend.
Kathryn Bigelow is a fantastic director, one of my favourites, but she is fairly unique in the boys-club of action directors.
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I've never seen a good action movie directed by a woman. Not saying it can't be done. I just haven't seen one, yet. Hurt Locker was great. But, I never viewed it as an "action film."
All of the female directed action movies I've seen seem to be missing something. Of course, a lot of the male directed action films seem to be missing something, too.
I'll wait until I see the film to make a decision.