Of all the Marvel movies released thus far (and this includes those made outside the Marvel Studios banner), Thor has been the toughest sell.  He comes from a different world, that world has funny costumes and architecture, and he has to convincingly exist in both Asgard and our mundane world.  But somehow the film, despite some various issues in plotting (particularly in regards to the romance and the ending), came together in a fun way that effectively sold the character.  And now that the film has raked in $437 million world, Marvel and Disney have decided to release the sequel on July 26, 2013.  Marvel's Iron Man 3 is already set for May 3, 2013.

Deadline reports that Kenneth Branagh won't return to direct but will stay on in a producing capacity.  The split was reportedly amicable and now we can start a new sweepstakes to see who will take the reigns of the series.  Chris Hemsworth will return but no other casting announcements have been made.