Deadline.com, 30 June 2011
By Mike Fleming

UPDATE: Disney has set a July 26, 2013 release date for Thor 2.

EARLIER EXCLUSIVE: Marvel Studios, which is in production on the Joss Whedon-directed 'The Avengers', is making a full commitment to 'Thor 2', with Chris Hemsworth reprising his role as the title hero. Marvel will need to hire a director for that film because, I've learned, Kenneth Branagh won't be returning as helmer. Branagh, who directed the first film and watched it gross $437 million worldwide with a few territories still playing out, will likely be involved in some producing capacity. His exit was "mutual and amicable," I'm told. That means a big job is out there that a lot of directors and their agents will be chasing over the upcoming holiday.

Disney will today finalize a release date for 'Thor 2', which will be released sometime in the summer, 2013. Disney and Marvel have already slotted the Robert Downey Jr-starrer 'Iron Man 3' to open May 3, 2013. So figure that 'Thor 2' will come later in the summer. Developing...