Natalie Portman Confirmed For ‘Thor’
Natalie Portman cast as Jane Foster in 'Thor'
Back in March the rumor surfaced that Natalie Portman was under consideration for a role in the upcoming Marvel super-hero movie Thor. I speculated back then that the ideal role for her in the film would be as Jane Foster.
It has now been officially confirmed by Variety that Natalie Portman will play the character of Jane Foster opposite Australian Chris Hemsworth as Thor.
In the comic, Foster is a character who falls in love with Thor’s alter ago Donald Blake without knowing he is Thor. She eventually learns the truth which leads to Thor granting her immortality. There’s a long story behind and beyond that point but suffice to say those events lead Jane Foster’s character to then appear in The Avengers.
Although this will fuel speculation that Natalie Portman may also appear in the feature film adaptation of The Avengers it should be pointed out that the announcement of Portman’s casting includes the caveat that the character of Jane Foster will be updated for the film. This could mean that her character’s comic storyline may not relate to the film at all.
The Marvel Studio’s press release describes Thor as follows:
This epic adventure spans the Marvel Universe; from present day Earth to the realm of Asgard. At the center of the story is The Mighty Thor, a powerful but arrogant warrior whose reckless actions reignite an ancient war. Thor is cast down to Earth and forced to live among humans as punishment. Once here, Thor learns what it takes to be a true hero when the most dangerous villain of his world sends the darkest forces of Asgard to invade Earth.
British actor Tom Hiddleston will play the villain Loki. Kenneth Branagh will direct the film and Marvel Studios’ Kevin Feige will produce.
Production on Thor kicks off early next year.
Thor will be released Jun 17, 2011.
The Avengers will be released May 4, 2012.
