San Diego ? Kenneth Branagh is directing “Thor” for Marvel Studios, and some think it’s a stretch for him to take on a superhero movie. He’s more Shakespearean, having adapted several of the Bard’s films for the big screen.

But the 49-year-old actor-director says Shakespeare’s characters aren’t unlike today’s superheroes.

Shakespeare wrote about “Henry V” centuries after his reign, and turned the king into a sort of superhero who could do no wrong, Branagh said.

Natalie Portman, a star of “Thor,” said the story is perfect for Branagh to handle since it’s as much classic mythology as it is comic book movie.

“Thor” also stars Chris Hemsworth, Kat Dennings and Anthony Hopkins. It’s set for release next year.