For once, here's some superhero news that's not quasi-confirmed by geek sites or pre-scooped by MTV: Variety reports that Kenneth Branagh is in negotiations to direct Thor, an adaptation of the comic book character (basically the Greek god, only a superhero, too) that will be produced by Marvel Studios.

Kenneth Branagh. He's the guy behind the film adapations of Henry V, one of the Hamlets, As You Like It, and Much Ado About Nothing, the last of which is actually a really funny comedy. (He'll also appear on screen in a supporting role in the upcoming Valkyrie.) But yeah, the film world's resident Shakespeare Guy might be helming a superhero movie.

If you feel something dripping, that's just the Marvel fan behind you, salivating.

Matthew Vaughn (Stardust) was attached to the project a while ago, but left it. You might recall Vaughn was also once attached to X-Men 3; he dropped out and Fox brought on Brett Ratner, who gleefully sunk the franchise. Marvel seems to be taking a different approach: they saw how well fans reacted to Jon Favreau on Iron Man, so it sounds like they're trying to find not just a hired gun, but a legitimately talented guy.

Looks like they've found one in Branagh. ❏