Release date changes for Thor 2 and Lone Ranger

Walt Disney Pictures has flicked through its Calendar app and reset dates for two of its big blockbuster movies.

Thor 2 was previously slated to bother box offices on 26 July 2013 but will now appear later that year on 15 November.

And after rumours a while back it has now been confirmed that Monster director Patty Jenkins will helm the sequel, notching up yet another leftfield directorial choice for Marvel.

Meanwhile, The Lone Ranger was originally planned for a 21 December 2012 release before the project was cancelled. The newly agreed production will now hit cinemas on 31 May 2013.

The Gore Verbinksi project starts filming on 6 February 2012 and stars Armie Hammer as the Western hero and Johnny Depp as his Native American partner Tonto.

The cast currently includes Helena Bonham Carter, Ruth Wilson, Dwight Yoakam, Barry Pepper and James Badge Dale, although it's possible a change of schedule could lead to conflicts and recasting.