Kenneth Branagh, 'Thor' Director, 'Very Excited' About Patty Jenkins Overtaking for 'Thor 2'

When Marvel confirmed that 'Thor' director Kenneth Branagh wouldn't be back for 'Thor 2,' fans were a little puzzled. In the end, although Branagh -- most widely known for his work pointing and acting in Shakespeare adaptations -- was considered an unexpected pick to helm the super hero movie, he wound up turning 'Thor' right into a box-office smash worldwide. Over the past weekend, Moviefone spoken with Branagh about why he wasn't doing 'Thor 2' and whether or not this was, as Deadline reported, an friendly decision between both sides. "[It had been] simply timing," Branagh stated. "I loved doing the film, I'd like to do another movie for Marvel, also it only agreed to be timing. The requirement of me only agreed to be to obtain in the saddle so quickly it wasn't really achievable, however it would be a decision [Marvel] understood." In addition to no hard feelings concerning the decision, but Branagh is even encouraging of 'Thor 2' director Patty Jenkins. "I, together with lots of others, are extremely looking forward to the appointment of Patty Jenkins," he stated. "I believe that's a fantastic choice to direct the film. I understand that Kevin Feige and all sorts of the folks I labored very carefully with, who have been absolutely areas of the roll-out of that movie, want to make a great second picture. Therefore it was the best decision for me personally as well as for them and i'm really searching toward observe how the 2nd one evolves." Jenkins is possibly much more of the surprise pick than Branagh was. She's most widely known for pointing the 2003 drama 'Monster,' starring Charlize Theron because the serial killer Aileen Wuornos (a job that won Theron her Oscar), a movie that does not exactly translate to the super hero genre. Whether Jenkins can meet Branagh's anticipation will not be recognized to moviegoers before the summer time of 2013, when 'Thor 2' is scheduled hitting theaters. Make certain to check on back with Moviefone in a few days for that full interview with Branagh, where he talks about 'Harry Potter' (he performed Gilderoy Lockhart in 'Chamber of Secrets') and provides his ideas on representing acting legend Mister Laurence Olivier within the approaching 'My Week With Marilyn.' [Photo: Getty] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook