Natalie Portman to Star in Comic-Book Film

Marvel Studios has confirmed Monday that Natalie Portman will be playing the lead female in upcoming comic book movie, "Thor," reports the Hollywood Reporter. She plays Jane Foster, a nurse who becomes the main love interest of Thor.

The announcement was made along with a brief outlook of the movie's plot; the character, Thor, is punished for wreaking some havoc in another world and is cast down to Earth to live with humans. On Earth, he learns what it takes to become a true hero.

Portman's character will help "ground the film in reality," says Kevin Feige, who will be producing the film, stating they have been working around the mythology of Thor and the other realms of the Nine Worlds. Portman's character will also be receiving an upgrade in her occupation, becoming more of a scientist-type nurse.

Portman is well known for her role as Queen Padme Amidala in the "Star Wars" trilogy. She has also appeared in the action sci-fi thriller, "V for Vendetta," released in 2005.

She will be a busy girl in the upcoming months, working on projects such as David Gordon Green's "Your Highness," a Universal comedy set to film in Northern Ireland. She will also start work in New York this fall shooting "Black Swan," a supernatural thriller by David Aronofsky.

Audiences will be able to view Portman next in Jim Sheridan's drama, "Brothers," alongside Jake Gyllenhaal and Toby Maguire, reports EW.com

"Thor" is set to be released in May 2011.The film will be distributed by Paramount Pictures and will start production in 2010.