Natalie Portman will play Thor in the new Marvel movie, and fans are so excited she’s taking up the hammer

Meaghan Kirby

Natalie Portman is rejoining the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and this time, she’s getting superpowers. During San Diego Comic-Con on July 20th, Marvel officially unveiled the next slate of MCU films, which include a Doctor Strange sequel; first outings for new MCU characters in Blade, Eternals, and Shang Chi; and the long-gestating Black Widow solo film. During the panel, Marvel also confirmed that the rumored fourth Thor installment was on its way, with Taika Waititi returning to direct. In addition to Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson, it was announced that Portman would be returning to the franchise, reprising her role as Jane Foster in Thor: Love and Thunder.

However this time, Jane will also be taking on a new role: Goddess of Thunder.

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So thrilled to share the news with you today at #sdcc2019 that I’ll be returning to the @marvel #mcu as female Thor with legends @taikawaititi @tessamaethompson and @chrishemsworth. (Remember this as the before picture for when I get jacked)

A post shared by Natalie Portman (@natalieportman) on Jul 20, 2019 at 11:42pm PDT

The Jackie actress played a scientist and Thor’s love interest in the first two installments in the franchise, also appearing via archive footage in Avengers: Endgame. But after acting as a supporting figure to the heroic Asguardian, the character will finally get in on the superhero action in Thor: Love and Thunder: the upcoming film will see Jane wield Mjolnir, the God of Thunder’s beloved hammer, and assume the role of Thor.

This move draws directly from the Mighty Thor comics, in which Jane secretly takes up the hammer as “Female Thor” after the God of Thunder is deemed unworthy. In the comics, not even the original Thor is aware it’s her, as her appearance changes every time she holds the Mjolnir. While Thor initially attempts to reclaim his hammer and powers, he eventually relinquishes the title to her, opting to instead go by “Odinson.”

However, assuming the role of Goddess of Thunder has tragic consequences for Jane, who had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Wielding Mjolnir has an adverse effect on her treatment and (spoiler warning) Jane ultimately dies—but is revived by a devastated Thor, who reclaims the mantle while Jane seeks treatment once more.

While it’s unclear how close to the Mighty Thor storyline Thor: Love and Thunder will follow, it’s safe to say we’re in for an exciting ride with Portman wielding the iconic hammer.

Naturally, Twitter was bursting with pride at the thought of her return.

Thor: Love and Thunder is currently set to be released in 2021.