With Chris Hemsworth currently in the production on the Joss Whedon-directed THE AVENGERS slated for May 2012 release, Marvel Studios and Walt Disney Pictures has also confirmed that he will returned for a sequel to THOR. At the same time, the studio also confirmed the sequel will be released on July 26, 2013!
However fans and viewers alike might be disappointed by the departure of original THOR director Kenneth Branagh, who will not return to direct the sequel. It is learned that his exit was "mutual and amicable". Which means that the studio will be hunting for next potential director in the near future to helm the sequel.