Alan Taylor has stepped in to replace Patty Jenkins to helm the anticipated sequel to last May’s hit superhero film Thor. Marvel ultimately decided to look for another filmmaker after the Monster director left the comic book follow-up, due to creative differences with studio executives. Taylor’s hiring comes after even actress Natalie Portman, who will reprise her role of astrophysicist Jane Foster in Thor 2, publicly expressed her upset over Jenkins’ departure.
First Showing is reporting that Marvel felt Jenkins wasn’t moving fast enough to meet its intended November 15, 2013 release date. The studio decided to move ahead with Taylor because he was more in line with its vision and timeline for Thor 2.
Taylor was on a short list of directors being considered by Marvel to replace Jenkins. He competed against fellow television director Brian Kirk, who he worked with on Game of Thrones and Boardwalk Empire.
Hopefully the quick change of directors and the fast production track Marvel has put Thor 2 on won’t affect the film’s quality. The original Thor, which opened to critical acclaim and earned $448 million at the box office, featured impressive performances, including a break-out role by Chris Hemsworth in the title role. But with Taylor’s proven television talent, and the return of screenwriter Don Payne, who co-wrote the original film, Thor 2 will likely be just as successful as its predecessor.