Washington, Aug. 10 (ANI): Film producer Matthew Vaughn is being lined up to direct superhero flick 'Thor' by Marvel Studios.

The film will be based on the Marvel Comics character Thor, a blonde, hammer-wielding hero who is sent to Earth to protect mankind.

According to Variety magazine, a deal regarding the project may conclude as Paramount releases the Vaughn-directed 'Stardust', starring Robert De Niro and Michelle Pfeiffer.

This is the second time that Vaughn has been linked to a superhero film. He was earlier attached to direct 'X-Men 3', but bowed out for personal reasons.

'Thor' is likely to be financed by Marvel Studios through its 500 million-dollar credit facility through Merrill Lynch. The firm has used that fund to finance 'The Incredible Hulk' and 'Iron Man'. (ANI)