In 2013, Marvel’s Norse God of Thunder will officially be under the control of a woman. In this case though, we are not talking about his villain from the comics and rumored antagonist for the next film The Enchantress. No, Marvel has once again thought outside the box and hired Patty Jenkins for Thor’s next solo adventure. In an official press release, Marvel and Disney announced that Patty has officially been hired to direct THOR 2, which recently has been part of a schedule shuffle due, in part, to THE LONE RANGER starring Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer being greenlit once again. Originally, THOR 2 was scheduled for July 26, 2013, but now that date belongs to the animated film PHINEAS AND FERB, while THE LONE RANGER snags the May 31, 2013 timeslot. THOR 2 has been pushed back to November 15, 2013.
Patty Jenkins is definitely a unique choice for the role of director in the sure to be effects-heavy sequel to this year’s spectacular introduction to the character. Her only major motion picture thus far is the 2003 MONSTER starring Charlize Theron and Christina Ricci. She has also done some television episodes for ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT, ENTOURAGE as well as the pilot episode for THE KILLING. Her most recent work was directing the segment “Pearl” for the Lifetime movie FIVE that consists of five different short films that explore the effects of breast cancer in the lives of people. While she may not jump out as an obvious choice as the director for such a high-profile, effects-laden, big budget project such as THOR 2, I have every faith in Marvel that they saw something great in her. With only a handful of projects under their belt, Marvel Studios have had a knack for picking directors that deliver quality products, even when the choice doesn’t seem to jump out as “brilliant” at first glance.
Here is the official press release from Marvel:
Marvel Studios announced today that Patty Jenkins will direct THOR 2, which will be released in theatres on Friday, November 15, 2013. Chris Hemsworth and Natalie Portman will return to star in the film along with Tom Hiddleston. Marvel Studios’ Kevin Feige will produce the sequel to this summer’s blockbuster THOR, which has grossed over $448 million worldwide to date.
Patty Jenkins previously directed MONSTER starring Charlize Theron, who won an Academy Award® for her performance in the film. Jenkins, who received an Emmy nomination for directing the pilot of AMC’s acclaimed series The Killing, has also directed episodes of Entourage and Arrested Development. Most recently, she directed “Pearl,” one of the five short films that comprise Lifetime’s original movie FIVE.
In addition to THOR 2, Marvel Studios is currently scheduled to release MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS on May 4, 2012, and IRON MAN 3 which is slated for release on May 3, 2013.
Jenkins is represented by CAA, Anonymous Content, and Alan Wertheimer
What are your thoughts on Patty Jenkins as the new director? Who would you like to see Thor face in the next installment? Let us know in the comments below.
THOR 2 is scheduled to hit theaters on November 15, 2013.
Jim is an avid movie enthusiast, representing the general movie going audience, looking at movies for their entertainment value as opposed to their critical weight. He enjoys the escapism that movies provide. He is a fan of all genre's of movies, but gravitates toward comic-based movies, summer "popcorn" flicks and over-the-top comedies as his preference. 
