It’s not every day you see an item of news that will excite fans of Marvel Comics, Norse mythology and popular Brummie playwright William “The Bard” Shakespeare.

Here’s something from Variety that might:

“Kenneth Branagh is negotiating to direct ‘Thor’ the next Marvel Comics property that will be turned into a live-action film by Marvel Studios. Pic will be released in 2010.”

Well, maybe not the Norse mythology crowd. They’re never easy to please.

The prospect of Kenneth Branagh directing a big-assed superhero flick might seem like the maddest idea since, I dunno, Ang Lee directing a big-assed superhero flick. Then again, this one’s about a hammer-wielding God who’s partial to a bit of blank verse blather. It might not be too much of a stretch.

I suppose that over the coming months there’ll be all sorts of feverish speculation amongst fanboys as to who should play the God of Thunder. Me, I don’t particularly care – I’m more interested in the supporting cast. I’m hoping that Branagh once again calls upon his regular company of performers to lend a bit of much-needed gravitas to the project. I want to see Thor’s dad Odin played by Richard (The Good Life) Briers. I want to see stately, plump Volstragg played by Brian (Z Cars) Blessed. But most of all, though, I want to see Thor’s arch nemesis played by a truly great British performer. Someone who has worked with Branagh before. Someone who’d be perfect for the role. Someone who was born to play an evil trickster god.

I want to see Ken Dodd as Loki.

The letter writing campaign starts NOW!