Natalie Portman Officially Joins ‘Thor’

Published by Jeff Leins on July 13, 2009

Natalie Portman has officially joined the cast of Marvel’s Thor.  The superhero project is being directed by Kenneth Branagh and is slated for May 20, 2011.  Unlike her co-stars Chris Hemsworth (Thor) and Tom Hiddleston (Loki), Portman has never worked with Branagh before.

The Oscar-nominated actress will play Jane Foster, the nurse and love interest to Thor’s human alter ego Donald Blake.  This continues Portman’s geek following after she appeared in three Star Wars films and the comic book movie V for Vendetta.  The news also confirms we’ll see more of Earth than we had originally expected from the “god of thunder.”

In the comics and the movie, Thor is banished to our planet as punishment for reigniting an ancient war in Asgard, the heavenly realm of Norse mythology.  As Blake, he touches the hammer of Thor and realizes powers he doesn’t remember having.  According to the press release, in the film Thor’s mischievous adopted brother Loki sends an army of “the darkest forces of Asgard” to Earth and naturally Thor has to stop them.

Nikki Finke originally reported this in March, so expect a “TOLJA!” post any second now.  Jessica Biel was also rumored as a cast member last week, but there has not been an official confirmation or firm denial yet.  Samuel L. Jackson may also appear briefly as Nick Fury, considering he’s the link between the Marvel crossovers and signed to play the character another nine times.