Posted on: July 13th, 2009 Portman Joins THOR
Things are looking even better for the hard-to-imagine Thor live-action flick, with Natalie Portman officially nailing the lead love-interest, Jane Foster.
In the comics, Jane Foster was a nurse to Thor’s secret-identity, Donald Blake. At one time, she had the hots for both Thor and Blake, not knowing that they were they same person. How’s that for a weird love-triangle. Whether or not any of this will be touched upon in the film is unknown, as is the specifics of Donald Blake and Thor being separate people.
As it stands, although I have a hard time buying the mainstream accessibility of a live-action Thor flick, I have a whole lot of trust in director Kenneth Brannagh, and so far the casting choices have been pretty great. Natalie Portman, although having some lame roles lately, is a damn fine actress and welcome addition to the cast. Marvel is sure bringing some powerhouse talents to their films, this is a great sign for future films.
From Marvel Studios Press Release:
Marvel Studios announced today that Academy Award® nominated actress Natalie Portman has been cast to star as Jane Foster in the studio’s highly anticipated movie “Thor.”
In the early “Thor” comics, Jane Foster was a nurse who became Thor’s first love. The character will be updated for the feature adaptation.
Portman will star opposite Chris Hemsworth who will play Thor and Tom Hiddleston who will play the villain Loki. Kenneth Branagh will direct the film.
Marvel Studios’ Kevin Feige will produce “Thor.” Principal photography for the film is set for early 2010. The film will be released in the US on May 20, 2011 and distributed by Paramount Pictures.
Marvel Studios expands its film universe with a new type of super hero: “Thor.” 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.
Portman will next be seen starring in Jim Sheridan’s “Brothers” opposite Jake Gyllenhaal and Tobey Maguire. She recently wrapped production on “Hesher,” starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and executive produced by her production company handsomecharlie films, and Don Roos’ “Love and Other Impossible Pursuits,” which also she executive produced. In 2004, she won a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress as well as an Academy Award nomination in the same category for “Closer.” She also earned critical acclaim for her role in “Garden State” and is most well known for her role as Queen Padme Amidala in the “Star Wars” Trilogy. Other film credits include “The Other Boleyn Girl,” “V for Vendetta,” “Cold Mountain,” “Anywhere But Here,” “Heat,” “Beautiful Girls” and “The Professional.”
“Thor” is one of a continuing slate of films being produced by Marvel Studios based on the Marvel characters, including “Iron Man 2″ on May 7, 2010, “The First Avenger: Captain America” on July 22, 2011, and “The Avengers” on May 4, 2012.