According to Nikki Finke, Natalie is in the running for the lead female role in Marvel’s Thor film. I honestly don’t know much about Thor but Marvel have had a pretty decent start as a film studio and certainly care about their properties. The choice to have Kenneth Branagh direct is also very intriguing. I’ve sent out some emails and hope to get some clarification on this tomorrow.

Until then, here is Cinematical’s two cents:

No one knows if Portman is being eyed to play Amora the Enchantress, lover and antagonist of Thor up in Asgard, or if she’ll be playing a “real world” love interest of Donald Blake. The latter would suit the delicate Portman much better … but hey, maybe playing a Nordic goddess could finally allow her to cut loose. It feels like it’s been awhile since Portman wowed audiences, and maybe the Marvel Universe is just the place for her to do it.

Frankly, I would have preferred to see her as the Black Widow in Iron Man 2 over Scarlett “isn’t my cleavage fantastic?” Johansson. If you’re going to pick a Bolyen girl, you might as well pick the one who emoted the most, and the one who looks the most Eastern European. (To be kind, Johansson would be a better pick for the Nordic Asgard. Any way we can reverse the casting at this late hour?)