"Thor," previously announced for a May 20th opening in 2011, will now arrive in theaters two weeks earlier on May 6th, according to Variety. The move comes in the wake of Sony's announcement yesterday of a delay in production on "Spider-Man 4," casting doubt on the film making its release date on the same day.

"Paramount decided to act aggressively and not wait for the outcome, in case another studio acted first and put one of their films there," writes Variety. "Paramount didn't comment on its decision, but it didn't come as a surprise to rival studios, since 'Thor' is the first movie [scheduled] for release after 'Spider-Man 4.'" The same article mentions Disney has moved the Pirates of the Caribbean film, "On Stranger Tides" to the May 20th release left vacant by "Thor."

The film is set to go into production later this month with stars Chris Hemsworth and Natalie Portman. The film will also feature a roster of top list talent in supporting roles including Idris Elba, Stellan Skarsgård, and Anthony Hopkins as Odin. Kenneth Branagh, director of "Henry V" and "Mary Shelly's Frankenstien" will direct the picture for Marvel and Paramount.Right before the New Year, Marvel Studios Kevin Feige discussed his anticipation for the film on Marvel.com. "We've done some costume tests and watching the Asgardians walk onto the sound stage takes me back to that first time I saw the X-Men on the set all together in Toronto," he wrote on December 30th, 2009. "Only it was unlike anything we've ever put on film before! It's great to be starting the next decade in such an exciting way just as we did last decade."

Variety also notes should "Spider-Man 4" regain its footing, "Thor" would likely move from the May 6th release date.