'Thor 2' Director Search Plays The 'Game Of Thrones'

by Jeremy Gordon

Patty Jenkins' exit from "Thor 2" was surprising, but Marvel Studios is moving fast ahead on finding a replacement.

The Hollywood Reporter reports that the House of Ideas are looking at two potential directors: Alan Taylor and Daniel Minahan, both television veterans who've both worked on shows like "Game of Thrones," "True Blood," "Boardwalk Empire," "Mad Men," and others.

Both Taylor and Minahan are thin on film experience, but that might not matter much. The series they've worked on trend towards the slow, dramatic type interspersed with brief bursts of action -- perfect for a sequel like "Thor 2," sure to pick up on the Shakespearean elements of the first film. "Game of Thrones," in particular, does an excellent job of blending high fantasy with human elements. While there's a huge team behind the production of every episode, the show certainly hasn't hurt under Taylor and Minahan's direction.

THR also reports that Marvel has a new shortlist for potential writers, including John Collee ("Happy Feet," "Master and Commander: Far Side of the World") and Robert Rodat ("Saving Private Ryan"). The most surprising inclusion would be Roger Avary, one-half of the "Pulp Fiction" writing team. Avary's choice would be out of left field, but certainly inspired. He specializes in fast-talking, darkly funny screenplays, and his effort for "Thor 2" could be inspired or watered down or anything in between. That could be the momentum needed to keep the superhero express rolling along.

Tell us who you want to see directing and writing the next "Thor" movie in the comments section and on Twitter!