Back in May, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige revealed that "The First Avenger: Captain America" was under consideration to be filmed in 3-D. Earlier today, Marvel not only confirmed the 3-D release of "Captain America," but also a 3-D version of "Thor" as well.
"We came to feel that in our case 3-D could be the very good friend of story and character for a different kind of experience," said "Thor" director Kenneth Branagh during an interview with The Los Angeles Times. "It's another draft of the story that can reveal itself in a different way."
"I had a healthy degree of skepticism up front," continued Branagh. "[But] I've become somebody extremely excited about working with possibilities of doing it this way."
"It's one of those maybe rare times where 3-D accentuates the story and the way the viewer is brought into this new world," added Feige. "That's what 'Avatar' and 'Alice in Wonderland' were all about — going into new realms, new worlds... I think with the "Harry Potter" films and ours you're about to see a slew of movies where 3-D was done by people who had the time."
While "Thor" was filmed in 2-D, both it and "Captain America" will be converted to 3-D in post production rather than being filmed in 3-D from the start. "Captain America" director Joe Johnston also indicated that he attempted a one-day test shoot using a 3-D rig, which he described as a "nightmare" because of it's restricted options and bulky gear.
"I think [3-D] tends to be overused and can be a little bit gimmicky," said Johnston. "A lot of people are using 3-D now because they feel have they have to ... that will come and go and the pictures that deserve to be in 3-D will continue to be. When it's done bad, it can make you carsick."
Johnston added "It's a new challenge and it's exciting."
The report also names Joaquin Phoenix, Adrien Brody, Nathan Fillion and David Tennant as rumored potential replacements for Ed Norton in "The Avengers." Marvel may unveil the latest actor to play the Hulk at the upcoming San Diego Comic-Con.
"Thor" will be released on May 4, 2011, while "The First Avenger: Captain America" will follow on July 22, 2011.
What are your thoughts about Marvel's jump into 3-D? Should the studio stick with 3-D conversion or attempt to film an entire movie in 3-D? Throw your shields and let us know what you're thinking in the comment section or on Twitter!