Brian Kirk Could Direct Robert Ludlum's Osterman Weekend

Deadline reports that Irish director Brian Kirk is in talks to helm The Osterman Weekend based on the novel by Robert Ludlum. The author is best know for the Bourne series of novels. The film is setup at Lionsgate/Summit and is expected to be a new spy franchise in the making similar to Bourne. Kirk was in talks to direct the Thor sequel and has directed many television shows including Game of Thrones, Boardwalk Empire, Luck, The Tudors, Dexter and Luther.

I have to say the one person I see in the lead of this budding franchise is none other than Idris Elba. Kirk has previously worked with Elba on the serial killer BBC series Luther. Idris has been slowly priming himself to be the next Denzel Washington playing every role thrown at him from genre to drama.

Game of Thrones Directors Alan Taylor And Daniel Minahan In The Mix For Thor 2

HeatVision reports that Marvel is looking at other directing options now that Patty Jenkins is off Thor 2. Two names that have come up are Alan Taylor (Boardwalk Empire, Sopranos, Mad Men) and Daniel Minahan (True Blood, Deadwood) who both have directed episodes of Game of Thrones among other television shows. Marvel seems to be hot for anyone involved with Game of Thrones since Brian Kirk another director of the series was in early talks to helm the sequel. If I had to guess the stronger of the two directors it would be Taylor since his credits seem to be stronger. No offers have been announced but they'll have to move quickly and push ahead with pre-production.

They also mention a few screenwriters who could work on Don Payne's current draft of the script. The writers include Sheldon Turner, John Collee (Master And Commander), Robert (Saving Private Ryan) and Roger Avary who was Quentin Tarantino's writing partner on Pulp Fiction. The two (Tarantino/Avary) went on to win an Oscar for the screenplay. Strange to see Roger's name in the mix because he was just released from a one year prison sentence. After a drinking and driving accident that killed his passenger. Disney doesn't seem like the company to hire ex-cons to write their family films I can only imagine the backlash during the press tour.

Marvel rushed into Iron Man 2 putting together a haphazard script that made you give up on caring for Stark and didn't up the action from the first film. Hard to believe since the first 40 minutes of the first film he was in a cave just building shit. Tony was mainly wining and self-centered in the sequel reverting back to his former dicky self, which basically threw out any character development from the first story. There have been concerns that Avengers sub-plots could invade Thor 2 similar to Thor and Iron Man 2, hijacking the Thor side of things. Along with hindering the expansion of the cosmic world of the realms. I'm hoping that there is limited to almost zero interaction on Earth and we finally get a solid good look at Asgard, it's people and the rest of the realms. I want what most fans are looking for a Thor adventure not Avengers 1.5. Iron Man 3 seems to have been spared this interconnection as that film will be an Iron Man only affair.

Other Directors In The Running For Thor 2

Variety adds to the recent story of Marvel Studios being in talks with director Patty Jenkins (Monster) to helm Thor 2. They reveal four other directors also in contention which includes Drew Goddard (Cabin In The Woods), James McTeigue (V For Vendetta), Noam Murro (300: Battle of Artemesia) and Breck Eisner (The Crazies). Goddard's Cabin In The Woods stars Chris Hemsworth and was written by Joss Whedon, Drew might get backing from the two. Brian Kirk (Game of Thrones) has walked because of creative/financial differences with the studio so we can cross him out.

Marvel Studios Considering Patty Jenkins To Direct Thor 2

Deadline reports that Marvel Studios is in full swing looking for a new director for Thor 2. It's been expected the sequel will start shooting this spring while Iron Man 3 will start in June. Considering the release date of July 2013 the studio is going to need to announce a director soon so that pre-production and casting can start. Patty Jenkins (Monster, The Killing) is a name in serious contention for the job. Patty's film Monster helped Charlize Theron earn her Oscar. Previously Brian Kirk who is known for directing episodes of Boardwalk Empire and Game of Thrones had been linked for the director's chair.

Hiddleston Confirms Loki Will Be In Thor 2, Shooting This Spring?

One of the greatest casting choices by Marvel Studios has been Tom Hiddleston as Loki. Tom was originally testing to play Thor but was better suited for the conflicted villain. It's pretty much paid off for the actor as he's been a major part of two Marvel films and now there is possibility he'll return for Thor 2. He gives some insight to MTV about the sequel and says that a director hasn't been chosen yet. Giving the impression that Brian Kirk (Game of Thrones, Boardwalk Empire) isn't a sure thing.

"I haven’t. I also don’t know that that’s actually confirmed. That’s not me being coy. I spoke to Kevin Feige last week on ["The Avengers"] set and he said, 'Oh no, we haven’t got anyone yet. We’re thinking about people. I think probably next spring is the idea because the release date is locked down," he said, adding that the storyline for the film will still likely pick-up from where "The Avengers" leaves off."

"In 'The Avengers' he’s really dark and kind of sociopathic, or maybe even psychopathic is the word, in a deluded way. Obviously I haven’t let go of the spiritual damage at the heart of him, it still comes from that lost place, but he’s just incredibly nasty. I think that probably in 'Thor 2' his previous actions will, he’ll have to take responsibility for what he’s done. The great thing about Loki is there is potential in him for greatness and awfulness, for great heroism and great villainy. There are still, even within 'The Avengers,' there are moments where you see within Loki a glimmer of hope and that possibility of redemption. It makes it fun to play and it makes it fun for the audience. Nobody is black and white, there are shades of grey in all of us. We all have potential for greatness and we all have flaws. I for one am championing the redemption," he added hopefully, along with a wish for a future Thor and Loki action scene: "This isn’t definitely going to happen, but I think there would be nothing more awesome than seeing Loki and Thor fight somebody side by side."

Cast Em': Marvel Studios' Thor 2

With the announcement of Marvel Studios moving forward with a sequel to Thor, setting a release date for July 26th 2013. Along with a script in development from and Brian Kirk in talks to direct. There was the inclusion that the sequel could be entirely set in the cosmic realms. Giving audiences a better look into Asgard and the surrounding realms/creatures. I've come up with my own opinions on which characters should be featured and who should play them.


THOR 2 SUGGESTED CASTING ADDITIONS


Adam Baldwin (Full Metal Jacket) As Scourge The Executioner

Alice Eve As Amora The Enchantress

Joe Manganiello (True Blood) As Balder The Brave

Abbie Cornish As Brunnhilde The Valkeryie

Gemma Arterton As Lorelei

Benedict Cumberbatch As Malekith The Accursed

Brian Cox As Ulik The Rock Troll

Eva Green (Casino Royale) As Alflyse

HBO's Brian Kirk In Talks To Direct Thor 2, Coming July 26th 2013

ShowBlitz reports that Marvel Studios is currently in talks with Game Of Thrones/Boardwalk Empire director Brian Kirk to take on Thor 2. The sequel is set to be released on July 26th 2013.

It's not surprising Kirk is getting film offers since both Game of Thrones and Boardwalk Empire have blown up thanks to his work directing several of the first season's episodes. While I believe Kenneth Branagh did an excellent job on the first film I didn't outright love it. New blood seems like a good move along with hiring Shane Black for Iron Man 3 coming out the same year. It's expected the second film will be entirely set in the cosmic world focusing on a larger cast of Asgardians and mystical creatures/foes. Which seems to sort of parallel Thrones slightly, so it could very well turn out for the better.