I think he was the primary reason the first was so damn good, and the Shakespearean experience of Feore, Hopkins and Branagh helped too. Whose call was it not to have him on the second film? He made the first critical, popular and financial success...
shareCompletely agree with you. I too believe that Branagh was the main reason that Thor turned out so well (it's my second favorite superhero film). It's very unfortunate that he isn't returning.
I can't believe that Marvel is handing over the reins to someone with only one film to their credit (and that one film was a low-budget indie drama made EIGHT YEARS AGO)!
It was Branagh's decision for him not to do the sequel, not Marvel's. These films are a huge commitment to make, so I guess he didn't want to do another film like that again so soon.
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