MCU Phase 4: Natalie Portman returns to the franchise, to pick up Thor's hammer in 'Thor: Love and Thunder'

After making a cameo appearance in 'Avengers: Endgame' Natalie Portman is finally set to return in the upcoming 'Thor' film. The Academy-Award winning actress will join Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson in the upcoming 'Thor: Love and Thunder' which is all set to hit the theaters on November 5, 2021.

As per media reports, the Taika Waititi directorial will feature Natalie as the first female Thor. The Hollywood diva who plays Thor's love interest Jane Foster in the Marvel Cinematic Universe last appeared in 'Thor: The Dark World' that released in 2013. However, the actress' will be seen resuming her role and reportedly will be seen picking up Thor's hammer aka Mjolnir as the 'Goddess of Thunder' in the fourth installment of the franchise.

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As per media reports, director Taika Waititi announced the same at the Comic-Con panel in San Diego. 

"That storyline is incredible is full emotion, love, and thunder and introduces for the first time female Thor," ANI quoted Waititi saying during the panel.

Natalie Portman who debuted in MCU as Jane Foster in 2011's 'Thor', reprised her role in the film's sequel 'Thor: The Dark World' in 2013. She was last mentioned in 'Avengers: Age of Ultron', following which she was neither mentioned nor she made any appearances in Marvel ventures, before her cameo in 'Endgame'.   

(Source: Twitter)

Meanwhile, Chris Hemsworth who will reprise his role as the Asgardian warrior was last seen joining the jetting off into space with the Guardians of the Galaxy at the end of 'Avengers: Endgame'. While he was next expected to be seen in 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3' there was no announcement of the same in the Phase 4 film list of Marvel Studios. 

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While describing the fate of Thor after 'Avengers: Endgame', Waititi reportedly said, "He's heading to the 7-11 for a little Netflix subscription and at this point, he might be on the couch, who knows."

One has to wait for the release of the Thor venture to see what more surprises it brings along.