Natalie Portman to Star as Jane Foster in Marvel Studios’ THOR

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 superhero: 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.

Portman is represented by Brillstein Entertainment Partners, CAA and George Sheanshang.

Darren Aronofsky’s “Black Swan” could soon be taking flight. After being set up in early 2007 at Universal, the project — a supernatural thriller set in the world of New York City ballet — has been reconstituted after being put into turnaround by the studio. It has been making the rounds to studios and specialty divisions, several of which are keenly interested. Among the elements giving it a boost: Natalie Portman is attached to play the lead. – from THR

“She stimulates him in ways no other person has, mentally or professionally,” a source told Star magazine.

SOME roles just don’t suit Natalie Portman (above). At the junket for the film version of his “Doubt,” playwright John Patrick Shanley was asked how Amy Adams won the role of an emotionally conflicted nun. “I’m trying to think of what the etiquette is on this,” Shanley chuckled, blushing a bit. Urged on by a blogger for gossipsauce.com, he continued, “Well, we asked Natalie Portman, and Natalie was very interested but kept saying she had a problem. And we finally nailed down as to what the problem was. She basically said she didn’t understand celibacy.” – from NYpost

He may be a Broadway veteran, but John Patrick Shanley might want to brush up on his rules of Hollywood etiquette

At the junket of his new film Doubt, starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams, we asked writer-director Shanley how Adams had been cast when originally there was another actor offered the role of the emotionally conflicted nun.

“I’m trying to think of what the etiquette is on this,” Shanley chuckled, blushing a bit.

“Hit us with it,” we said.

“Well, we asked Natalie Portman, and Natalie was very interested but kept saying she had a problem. And we finally nailed down as to what the problem was. She basically said she didn’t understand celibacy,” he revealed, erupting in laughter.

- from GossipSauce

Sounds like someone’s taking tarty cues from her former costar, the sexually generous Scarlett Johansson! Still, we hardly think Portman’s ideals were at odds with the role — has she never heard of the “sexy nun” concept before? Nat, check in with Megan Fox next time and call John Patrick Shanley in the morning. – from Defamer

Previously: Natalie Portman regrets sex scene.

Actress Natalie Portman insists she’ll never bare all on the big screen again after regretting a saucy scene in new short film Hotel Chevalier.

The shots of the actress baring all in the film hit the Internet earlier this year–months before the movie hit festivals in September.

And Portman admits she’s rather upset about agreeing to do something she felt awkward about in the Wes Anderson-directed prelude to The Darjeeling Limited.

She says, “I’m really sorry I didn’t listen to my intuition. From now on, I’m going to trust my gut more. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is say no.”

- from Hollywood.com