In one of the more confusing directorial decisions I’ve ever encountered, Kenneth Branagh is directing an epic film on the Norse god of thunder, Thor. The movie will be based on the Marvel comic book adaptation of the story. Though the project was announced months ago, there has been very little speculation about the film because there has been very little talk from its directors or producers. Back in December, MTV asked Branagh a few questions about the movie and got some usual stock answers.

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.”

[From MTV]

Now, finally, the first full-blown news on the film comes in the form of a casting call for the lead.

Male must be mid-late 20’s and six feet or taller. Lead.

Physically powerful, very handsome, occasionally egotistical, petulant, and wild. A natural warrior with a quick charming wit who must be genuinely and severely humbled before becoming the compassionate, mature hero of our film.

The start date of filming is given as July and the wrap is September.

[From Coming Attractions]

I have to say that I love Kenneth Branagh. Much Ado About Nothing was beautiful, and Hamlet powerful and eerie. His Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, on the other hand, was less than wonderful. Since this film seems to be more in the vein of the latter, I’m more than a little concerned. I don’t know if he’ll be able to handle the battle scenes and violence that this movie will require. On the other hand, maybe he’s looking to make something different from what people are expecting. Perhaps he’s looking to break out of the whole “comic book movie” theme and create something that is more about the characters than the larger epic story. Surely the transformation of their “natural warrior” into a “compassionate hero” will be fodder enough for the script.

Here’s Kenneth Branagh at the BAFTA/LA awards season tea party held at the Beverly Hills Hotel on January 10th. Images thanks to WENN.