Don Payne to write 'Thor 2'

Marvel really wants to get "Thor 2" ready for shooting as soon as possible. Just one day after setting a July 26, 2013 release date for the sequel, the studio has hired Don Payne to write the script, according to Deadline.

Who's Payne? Apart from being one of the writers of the first "Thor," he also contributed to that terrible "Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer" script and wrote Ivan Reitman's mediocre "My Super Ex-Girlfriend."

Also worth pointing out that a look at his filmography reveals he has written for "The Simpsons." He also happens to be a producer on the TV show. Chris Hemsworth is set to return as "Thor" in the sequel. Kenneth Branagh will not return to direct.

‘Spider-Man’ spinoff to head into development

Sony is gearing up for the development of “Venom,” a “Spider-Man” spinoff based on the villain who appeared in Spidey’s third installment last year.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Sony already took a look at a draft written by Jacob Estes (screenwriter of “Mean Creek”), but the studio is currently seeking new writers to pen the script.

One question that comes up at this point is the potential cast. Topher Grace played Venom in Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man 3,” but at this stage it’s unclear whether the studio will try to bring him back.

The good thing about this is that in the third “Spider-Man” flick, Venom was essentially a parasite looking for a host. This opens up more choices when it comes to casting a lead actor.

Personally, I think Venom did not receive the development it deserved in “Spider-Man 3.” In fact, it was the first villain in the franchise I really didn’t care about a bit. With a bit of luck, the screenwriters will do the character justice this time.

Although “Venom” is a clear departure from the “Spider-Man” series, Sony is currently developing “Spider-Man 4,” which should hit theaters in 2011.

I really wouldn’t mind watching a “Venom” feature, but considering the recent awesomeness of “Iron Man” and “The Dark Knight,” the scribes now face a massive challenge. Fans now expect so much more from a superhero movie, and they have every right to do so.