Natalie Portman cast as Jane Foster in Thor

Natalie Portman will be playing Jane Foster in the upcoming Thor movie. Jane was a nurse who was an early love interest for Thor in the comics, but who will be updated in some manner for the film adaptation.

Marvel's press release describes the film's plot:
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.

Directed by Kenneth Branagh, the film (due out May 20, 2011) will feature Chris Hemsworth as Thor and Tom Hiddleston as Loki, and will be part of the ongoing Marvel film universe alongside Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk and Captain America s they build towards an Avengers film.

It'll be interesting to see how she plays into things, since word has it they're seemingly taking the Ultimate Thor approach of not using Dr. Donald Blake as an alter-ego for Thor- at least not until towards the end of the movie, as a means to connect it to the Avengers movie.

It's an interesting choice. Portman can certainly act, but she tends to do better in more grounded or deeply dramatic material that she, presumably, can better relate to (Garden State or V For Vendetta, for example), while her track record with more fantastical material has been a little spotty (the Star Wars prequels, though granted she had to deal with some horrific dialogue there). Kenneth should be a good directing match for her, though, so i think she'll do a good job.