It was rumored months ago and now it’s official: Natalie Portman is starring in Thor as Jane Foster, the Thunder God’s love interest. In the original comics the character was a nurse who worked for Dr. Donald Blake, a regular old cripple who sometimes turned into Thor. The new version of Jane will be updated in some way; I don’t think there is a Don Blake in the movie, so that will be a start.
The press release announcing Portman also includes what I believe is the first concrete info about the story of the movie. Here’s the synopsis:
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.
Kenneth Branagh directs, of course, with Captain Kirk’s dad, Chris Hemsworth, in the title role.