Kenneth Branagh is reportedly in negotiations to bring his trained Shakespearean touch to Marvel's "Thor."

According to Variety, Branagh would directed the potential tentpole pic, which has a 2010 release date, but no distributor on board.

Matthew Vaughn was the most recent director attached to the long-gestating project, which has been scripted by Mark Protosevich. The script focuses on Donald Blake, a disabled medical student, who doubles as mighty powerful Norse god Thor. The character, who first premiered in comic form in 1962, was unknowingly placed in a human body by his father Odin. The alter ego would eventually become unnecessary in the comic series.

"Thor" will be self-financed by Marvel as part of the same $500 million credit facility through Merrill Lynch that yielded "Iron Man" and "The Incredible Hulk" this past summer.

Branagh picked up directing and acting Oscar nominations for "Henry V" and also received an Oscar nod for adapting his 1996 "Hamlet." His most recent directing turn was on 2007's remake of "Sleuth," while he'll be seen in front of the camera in Bryan Singer's "Valkyrie" later this year.