Kenneth Branagh Eyes Return to MCU with Darker Thor Finale

Kenneth Branagh says he is open to returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe to direct another Thor movie, more than a decade after helming the first film in 2011.

In a recent interview with Business Insider, Branagh said he would “love to finish” his connection to the character with a final, darker story. He imagined a film that would take Thor into “a glorious twilight,” similar in tone to Logan, the 2017 superhero film known for its more serious and emotional approach.

Branagh explained that although he was interested in continuing after the first Thor movie, he needed a break at the time. He described Marvel productions as “intense,” especially during postproduction, and said stepping away was the right decision then.

Still, the director has continued to think about how Thor’s story could end. He said it would be meaningful to give Chris Hemsworth’s character, and possibly other long-running Marvel heroes, a proper conclusion.

At the same time, Branagh acknowledged that Marvel Studios likely already has long-term plans in place for the character. He said whether he would actually return to direct is uncertain.

After Branagh’s Thor, the sequel Thor: The Dark World (2013) was directed by Alan Taylor. Taika Waititi later directed Thor: Ragnarok (2017) and Thor: Love and Thunder (2022), which took the character in a more comedic direction.

For now, Branagh’s return remains only a possibility, but his comments suggest interest in a more serious final chapter for the Norse god.