Remember that pretty cool movie Marvel put out in May called THOR? Anyone could have predicted that a sequel was going to happen. It's just been a matter of the details.

Deadline has reported that Marvel Studios is indeed making a full commitment to the sequel and Chris Hemsworth will be reprising his role (I'm sure he has a big fat sequel clause but we know Marvel has recast characters before).

Who won't be returning is Kenneth Branagh. Branagh will not be directing but will most likely be involved in some production role.

When can we expect to see the sequel?

Disney hasn't officially finalized a date but they are looking at a summer 2013 slot. Iron Man 3 is set for May 3, 2013 so Thor 2 would most likely happen after that.

It should be interesting to see who they get to direct the sequel and what the tone will be and where will it be set.

In other Marvel news, you might recall that there was talk of making short films (around ten minutes) featuring lesser known characters. This would be Marvel's way to test the waters and see if they proved popular enough to carry their own movie. Apparently talk has surfaced again with a couple shorts supposedly already filmed with Agent Phil Coulson. The rumor is they will be on the Thor and Captain America DVDs. Sounds more like a deleted or bonus scene. No word on an official short-length movie. Last we heard, Kevin Feige denied the possibility.

Update

Disney has confirmed a July 26, 2013 release date for THOR 2.

Cool! Well, I'm looking forward to it regardless of when it comes myself.  Would be interesting if they included Eric Masterson in this one, but I ask for too much I know.

Any ideas who could be in one of the short films?

for some reason, i don't see hopkins or portman returning

azza04 likes this news.

It's a real shame Branagh won't be back though i can't say I'm surprised. Some one make sure Brett Ratner is tied up in a basement

Yay!! Aww yeah! *Happy fangirl dance*  
 
Yay!!!!! 
 
*Ahem* Yes, yesl looks very promising .. . . 

Oh... I am still looking forward to this of course, but one of the things that had me optimistic about part one was Kenneth Branagh's involvement. Even if he is still involved in some capacity in the next movie, that's something I'll probably wish was different. Fingers crossed for more success though oh and more awesome Sif stuff! 

Quote from that same article:

I scrolled up to see who wrote the article after the blatant shirtless picture of Thor and was surprised to see Tony wrote it. LOL

@Om1kron: Who doesn't like a shirtless Hemsworth? Figured I'd give something for those that enjoy.

The idea of lesser-known character shorts on the DVDs sounds awesome! 

We demand more shirtless scenes for the sequel!

We demand more shirtless scenes for the sequel!

"DisasTHOR 2" must call the sequel movie....

Is Good.

liked the first. hope for less Earth bs next time.

Oh how I wish Del Toro had the time to take this.

I am more excited for hearing the Iron Man 3 date than Thor 2

Yay that's awesome! Thor two better have a much longer shirtless scene. ;)

Hopefully they chose a good director but I'm more interested in those 10 minutes short films. I hope they do include them on the DVD releases.

Thor has been the best superhero film this year no doubt but will the second deal with the skrulls as well or by the after credits clip .

Glad that Hamsworth is back, though sad to see Kenneth Branaugh is gone. 
I definitely think the next Thor can still be great, but I worry that without Branaugh, the Asgardian matters will lose some of their Shakespearean grandness.

Wait? Does that mean a possible 10 minute Deadpool film in that mix? He might be pretty well known (or forced on, depending on who you ask) but outside of the comic-world he is a relatively unknown character. 

The short films sounds like a lot of fun.

cool.

Obvious logical move on Marvel's part.
Though I expect more original characters as well as just sequels like Iron Man 3 and Thor 2..

Apparently talk has surfaced again with a couple shorts supposedly already filmed with Agent Phil Coulson. 

shorts of lesser known characters? Sounds pretty cool actually.

Surtur should be the villain for this

They should include Spider-Woman or Scarlet Witch for the 10 minute shorts. Just a thought! :)

Couple things. 
 
1) YAY! for a sequel... (Saw that one coming)
2) More excited for these marvel "shorts". Excellent idea!
3) How the heck did they determine a release date already?!

Good news!!!

Why won't Branaugh be back?  He nailed that movie.

50 bucks says that Enchantress is going to be in it. 

I hope they do Marvel Shorts sort of like how Pixar does. That would make every movie even more awesome. 

can't wait hope thor keep his helmet on. 
 

Well that was a gimmie.