Love & Thunder Set Image Reveals Natalie Portman’s Mighty Thor Arms

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A recent set image from Thor: Love and Thunder features Natalie Portman with a muscular new physique. Portman originally made her Marvel debut in the 2011 film, Thor, which introduced the titular Avenger played by Chris Hemsworth. In the first installment, she portrays Dr. Jane Foster, an astrophysicist performing research in New Mexico. Upon Thor’s dramatic landing in the desert, he eventually teams up with Foster, her assistant Darcy Lewis (Kat Dennings), and her mentor, Dr. Erik Selvig (Stellan Skarsgärd), to find a way to return to his kingdom, Asgard. During this endeavor, Thor kindles a romance with Foster, although tensions inevitably manifest as they struggle to maintain a relationship against the backdrop of a war among gods.

While the first film was a blockbuster hit, its meandering sequel disappointed both fans and critics. However, the third film, Thor: Ragnarok, significantly improved upon the prior chapters. Director Taika Waititi refashioned the Norse god’s narrative, establishing a witty, ironic story that leaned into Thor’s sociable, silly personality. It also launched a broader redemption arc for Loki, the disillusioned brother and villain of the first few Marvel films. However, while the movie helped resolve previous weaknesses in the franchise, it also failed to include an arc for Dr. Foster, who was largely erased from the plot. The upcoming fourth film, which is considered a direct sequel to Thor: Ragnarok, has reportedly brought back Portman and expanded her role.

On Twitter, user Delaney King posted a photo from the set of Thor: Love and Thunder, revealing Portman in costume as Foster, her arms noticeably muscular. Waititi, who is directing the fourth movie, has confirmed that he will be adapting key plotlines from the Mighty Thor comics, which follow Dr. Foster as she absorbs the powers of Thor after battling cancer. The onset pic demonstrates Portman’s physical transformation for her new role.

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Portman’s return to the MCU has certainly proved an unexpected development. According to prior accounts, Portman allegedly struggled with the making of the second film, Thor: The Dark World, after director Patty Jenkins was dismissed from production. The actress had fought for Jenkins to lead the film, pushing for a female director to oversee one of the juggernaut projects within the Marvel franchise. After Jenkins’ termination, Portman was reportedly forced to continue with the film due to contractual obligations. After its release, she later said that she was “done” with Thor. However, an early meeting with Waititi for the fourth installment seems to have changed her mind, particularly once he outlined his plans for an ambitious story that embraced and magnified its comic book roots.

As a result, Thor: Love and Thunder promises to be a compelling cinematic outing, especially with Waititi’s cheeky, confident direction. It will be similarly exciting to witness Portman’s character step into this powerful role, as well as interact with Tessa Thompson's Valkyrie, the new king of Asgard. Phase 4 of the MCU has unveiled projects featuring much-needed female representation, including Black Widow and Captain Marvel 2. Hopefully, Dr. Foster’s physical transformation is one that adds greater depth and complexity to her overall arc, as well as to her newfound status as a superhero in the Marvel universe.