Natalie Portman Forced By Marvel To Return As 'Jane Foster' In THOR: THE DARK WORLD?

Hugo Weaving recently made it clear that the only way he'll return as the 'Red Skull' is if Marvel forces him to, and a new report claims that Oscar winning actress Natalie Portman didn't want to reprise the role of 'Jane Foster'. So, why is she back? Well, the studio held her to her contractual obligations.

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By Josh Wilding - 10/20/2012

Marvel Studios don't exactly have a great track record with the stars of their films. You can count Edward Norton, Mickey Rourke and Terrence Howard among those who won't work with them again, and after Hugo Weaving recent made his feeling about returning as the 'Red Skull' very clear (read more about that by clicking HERE), it looks as if we can add Natalie Portman to that list. The actress was said to be upset when talks broke down between the studio and director Patty Jenkins, and TG Daily claims that she didn't want to return as 'Jane Foster' in Thor: The Dark World. Ironically, we recently learned that Natalie Portman is being 'forced' into her contractual role as the romantic lead in Thor 2, another Marvel Film Universe sequel, despite a desire to back out. Oh dear. You certainly can't blame Marvel for forcing her to return, especially when she signed a contract to appear in more than one film. However, one has to wonder whether or not this will impact her performance at all!

Marvel’s "Thor: The Dark World" continues the big-screen adventures of Thor, the Mighty Avenger, as he battles to save Earth and all the Nine Realms from a shadowy enemy that predates the universe itself. In the aftermath of Marvel’s "Thor" and "Marvel’s The Avengers," Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos…but an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all.

STARRING:

Chris Hemsworth as Thor
Tom Hiddleston as Loki
Anthony Hopkins as Odin
Natalie Portman as Jane Foster
Zachary Levi as Fandral
Ray Stevenson as Volstagg
Tadanobu Asano as Hogun
Jaimie Alexander as Sif
Idris Elba as Heimdall
Christopher Eccleston as Malekith

RELEASE DATE: November 8th, 2013

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205 Comments

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	TheGambitFreakIsBatmanOfCBM - 10/20/2012, 3:23 PM Login to report abuse Kill her off! Her and Dennings ruined THOR. Bring on LADY SIF!!!!!!!!!!! Woo Woo!!!!!
	PantherX - 10/20/2012, 3:27 PM Login to report abuse It's as if these actors are only now understanding what a contractual agreement is. Tough break.
	XxComablackxX1937 - 10/20/2012, 3:31 PM Login to report abuse Be lucky your even getting a paycheck. I hate my job but i go an work my ass off everyday knowing what i make in a week you probably make in an hour. Yet these actors an actresses are always whining there unhappy. Please...
	sKeemAn - 10/20/2012, 3:31 PM Login to report abuse Don't force her Marvel. She is easily replaceable. Her acting will be terrible. Her and Dennings can get the boot
	TheGambitFreakIsBatmanOfCBM - 10/20/2012, 3:34 PM Login to report abuse Pfffffttttt.....
	DrDoom - 10/20/2012, 3:36 PM Login to report abuse Good. Actors need to be put in their place.
	StuckInPanels - 10/20/2012, 3:37 PM Login to report abuse I think is still pissed that Monster director lady dropped from the project. She wants more female directors to make good comic book movies.
	GingerBird - 10/20/2012, 3:38 PM Login to report abuse These people know what's up. Real actresses not wanting to be type cast in some shitty, flash in the pan comic book movie phase.
	RR51 - 10/20/2012, 3:39 PM Login to report abuse How she must be feeling
	SAT - 10/20/2012, 3:40 PM Login to report abuse I agree, I'm indifferent of her in Thor. But if she doesnt want to return, recast her. I liked Dennings character, she was funny & Sif was cool. But I'm sure they can recast her like they did with Hulk (though Hulk was a more largely known than Jane Foster & also Incredible Hulk wasnt great & less viewed than Thor)
	TonyChu - 10/20/2012, 3:41 PM Login to report abuse WTF are you guys talking about how she ruined Thor and it was not even a bad movie. And why should they kill off Jane Foster?
	Originator2000 - 10/20/2012, 3:41 PM Login to report abuse I'm betting she is going to purposely do some horrible acting so the movie could suck.
	thewonderer - 10/20/2012, 3:41 PM Login to report abuse Everyone is so quick to insult the actors for their departure, when: Edward Norton Mickey Rourke Terrence Howard Jon Favreau Hugo Weaving AND NOW Natalie Portman cite difficulties. Anyone ever even ponder the possibility that Marvel are just assholes?
	Benedict - 10/20/2012, 3:41 PM Login to report abuse Natalie Portman-fail
	Benedict - 10/20/2012, 3:42 PM Login to report abuse @thewonderer well, they DO pump movies out like clockwork, non-stop
	tiger2411 - 10/20/2012, 3:43 PM Login to report abuse She wins a oscar and how she to good for Thor
	DanteSparda - 10/20/2012, 3:44 PM Login to report abuse
	thewonderer - 10/20/2012, 3:46 PM Login to report abuse I mean when have these actors had problems with other directors or franchises. Hell Portman WORKED ON THE STAR WARS PREQUELS. If that didn't give her problems, what the hell
	TheGambitFreakIsBatmanOfCBM - 10/20/2012, 3:46 PM Login to report abuse I respect Hugo Weaving. He spoke his mind. CA:TFA was an experiment for him. He never did a TRUE Superhero film before. And so he did it, and he didn't really care for it. I can understand. I loved him, when he was casted, I went nuts! He was perfect for the role, but he didn't feel enthusiatic as someone who really wants to play him would be, so he left. That's fine, at least we got his interpretation once. But this, this is a whole other ordeal. Hugo has worked lined up for him, if he wants to do a movie, Hollywood is on his front door. What does Portapotty have going for her? Her last batch of films were utterly embarassing and agonizing to watch. Besides, Marvel may not be the highest paying Studio out there, but at least you're guaranteed a freaking job. I reiterate, In Thor: TDW, kill her off, we want more Sif, Alexander is a badass! And The Last Stand looks terrific! @Jamie Alexander
	DrDoom - 10/20/2012, 3:46 PM Login to report abuse @GingerBird Doesn't matter what she wants. This is her job. She signed a contract. I say deal with it.
	Jollem - 10/20/2012, 3:46 PM Login to report abuse
	CaptainAmerica - 10/20/2012, 3:48 PM Login to report abuse Oh god here come the delusional Marvel fangirls blaming the actor again. Face it idiots, Marvel makes good films but treat the actors like shit. They're probably doing the same to the directors.
	CaptainAmerica - 10/20/2012, 3:50 PM Login to report abuse Let me guess @starscream9289, Howard was the worst part of Iron Man, Norton was the worst part of Incredible Hulk, Rourke was the worst part of Iron Man 2, and Weaving was the worst part of Captain America right? Lol idiot.
	Tainted87 - 10/20/2012, 3:58 PM Login to report abuse I wouldn't worry. She's a professional, stealing movies from lead actors at the age of 12... I doubt it'll impact her performance any.
	AmericanPsychoWolf - 10/20/2012, 4:00 PM Login to report abuse If Marvel's this bad at keeping their stars from repirising their roles, I wonder who WB's gonna keep their stars once the JLA verse kicks in. They couldn't keep two of their Batmans.
	Tainted87 - 10/20/2012, 4:03 PM Login to report abuse And Jesus... kind of quick to jump down her throat, aren't we? There isn't even a quote from the actress. This is a claim, not even from the actress, but from TG Daily? It makes quick mention of her and then goes back to Hugo Weaving.
	harley2011 - 10/20/2012, 4:03 PM Login to report abuse Disney/Marvel care about one thing, $$$. Portman will phone it in.
	aztecRaingod - 10/20/2012, 4:05 PM Login to report abuse I could see why Hugo Weaving was against returning, Marvel let his acting skills go to waste and the special FX were sub-par. But Natalie Portmans situation may be getting blown out of proportion. Portman was upset when Marvel axed Jenkins, that was late last year.
	aztecRaingod - 10/20/2012, 4:06 PM Login to report abuse I seriously doubt this will impact her performance. Shes still a highly paid proffesional.
	Shua - 10/20/2012, 4:06 PM Login to report abuse I say phase her out. Don't kill her off, just end their relationship in a way that makes sense than up the Sif/Thor relationship. Jaime Alexander LOVES comics and is thrilled about her role in the movie, let her have it!
	AmericanPsychoWolf - 10/20/2012, 4:06 PM Login to report abuse And for some reason, I get Anne Hathaway and Natalie Portman mix up.....
	hope420 - 10/20/2012, 4:07 PM Login to report abuse Who do these actors and actresses think they are? If I was to sign a contract and then say "Hey I'm done get someone else to finish it!" I would be sued or forced to do it. If you sign a contract then be an adult and follow through with what you signed on for. I am not shocked Marvel had forced her to come back. But sadly I am scared it might show in her acting.
	TheGambitFreakIsBatmanOfCBM - 10/20/2012, 4:07 PM Login to report abuse @CaptainAmerica What's with the name calling, @starscream9289 was just pointing out a simple truth in his perception? Personally, I was never fond of Norton as Bruce, he was dry and lacked ebullience, kind of apathetic. And Howard was okay, had a few funny parts, and he was a hell of a lot better than Don Cheadle, but there is only 1 James Rhodes/War Machine in my eyes, only 1 that really accommodates RDJ and would make future MCU films charasmatic and full of exuberance if he was side by side Tony Stark...
	Happy11 - 10/20/2012, 4:10 PM Login to report abuse Kevin feige who by the way doesn't even know how to pronounce his surname properly is supposed to be an arsehole. That's why branagh didn't return
	DioFoRio - 10/20/2012, 4:11 PM Login to report abuse hey captain america...howwa bout you shut the [frick] up? Oh whats that? I can't force you to? Maybe if you signed a contract ya could. People are starving, out of work and this [foo foo] who made a legal obligation to finish her work should. Or collect your cash and shut yer trap ya flat ass skank. Too Harsh?
	LoudLon - 10/20/2012, 4:14 PM Login to report abuse I dig Portman. I can't hold it against her for not wanting to return because while her character served her purpose in the movie, she didn't really get a great deal of development or much of an arc. I don't blame her for not wanting to play the part again. BUT. Portman knew what she was doing and what she was getting into when she signed the contract. No sense crying about it now. So do the movie, do the best you can with what they give you, for the fans, and then move on.
	BruceLeroy - 10/20/2012, 4:14 PM Login to report abuse It really doesn't matter to me but a contract is a contract. It is what it is.
	MarkJulian - 10/20/2012, 4:14 PM Login to report abuse TG Daily is not a credible source, never heard of that site in my life.
	Tainted87 - 10/20/2012, 4:15 PM Login to report abuse Again... chill out kids. There's no evidence to support this "claim", not even a quote by the actor, producer, director, writer, agent, husband, etc... Read the whole article and stop the knee-jerk reactions.
	Jollem - 10/20/2012, 4:16 PM Login to report abuse jack kirby and jim lee jumped the marvel ship for their respective reasons. not saying that any company is infallible, tho. there's all kinds of shenanigans when money is involved. usually
	TheAbomination - 10/20/2012, 4:16 PM Login to report abuse You mad that a female director wasn't hired? Too bad bitch. You signed a contract. Don't like it? Call the Wambulance.
	JerBear - 10/20/2012, 4:19 PM Login to report abuse Everyone who's angry at Marvel for this... why is it that it's only certain actors who have a problem then hmmm? I never once heard RDJ, Evans, Hiddles, Hemsworth, Hopkins, Cheadle, Alexander, Jackson, Gregg, Johansson, Atwell, Paltrow, ect. complain. You really think Marvel would only be assholes to a select few actors while everyone else is having the time of their lives? Or maybe it's just because some actors just don't like commitment. I haven't seen a single interview where the actors I named aren't laughing and giddy and into their roles.
	TheAbomination - 10/20/2012, 4:19 PM Login to report abuse If these actors don't want to play ball, Marvel will just recast their roles. Plain and simple. They did it with Ed Norton and Terrence Howard. As a matter of fact, somebody go tell Kat Dennings' annoying ass to shape up or ship out.
	AmericanPsychoWolf - 10/20/2012, 4:20 PM Login to report abuse @LEVITIKUZ I know right, they're very protecive of their cbms especially The Marvel fans.
	Adventurer - 10/20/2012, 4:21 PM Login to report abuse Edward Norton tried to take over the production of Hulk. Terrence Howard was either difficult to work with or wanted more money than Marvel thought he was worth. Mickey Rourke and Hugo Weaving seem to have no interest in superhero films. Jon Favreau moved on, as many directors do after contributing to a franchise. Then only thing I think you could accuse Marvel of is being a bit cheap. Whedon even made a small crack about how little he got paid for Avengers. But hey... that's business. Natalie Portman may simply be trying to reinvent her career. I have the feeling she's more interested in being remembered for stuff like BLACK SWAN.
	DrDoom - 10/20/2012, 4:21 PM Login to report abuse @JerBear You got it bro. Alot of actors probably aren't excited that Marvel is signing contracts for every role they have, since they are trying to build a cohesive universe. They just don't want to commit.
	StuckInPanels - 10/20/2012, 4:21 PM Login to report abuse The reason for Terrence Howard not returning was justifiable. They said that he was paid the most to be in the first Iron Man movie, and so when #2 came around he wanted even more and they didn't want to pay a secondary character more salary than RDJ. Edward Norton's case is also a bit more of a personal issue. He wants to be apart of the entire film making process, he wrote and produced TIH, and since he wasn't allowed creative control with AVENGERS, he cut his losses. Mickey Rouke is a talented actor but he is known to be hard to work with. Jon Faverau just had creative differences. Hugo Weaving was great but I can understand that not having Red Skull in Modern Day makes sense. I still think Natalie is mad because of that woman leaving but they need to keep her in for a few more movies, she knew what she was getting into. I see the opposite of many fans on here, MARVEL doesn't have a bad track record, they have gathered and attracted a wide range of talent to be apart of this big gamble for any studio to do. You have Anthony Hopkins, Jeff Bridges, Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba, Alexander Sarsgard, Tommy Lee Jones, Sam Jackson, RDJ, Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Don Cheadle, Gweneth Paltrow, Mark Ruffalo, Tom Hiddleston, Neal McDonough, and many other talented actors and actresses to be in their movies, I don't see a bad track record.
	DioFoRio - 10/20/2012, 4:22 PM Login to report abuse oh poor natalie portman just had a kid....Im sure she can ask the 13 nannies how the kid is doing...GTFO here
	SmellofDuty - 10/20/2012, 4:23 PM Login to report abuse I don't speak Whinese!
	TheBeard - 10/20/2012, 4:26 PM Login to report abuse I really wanted to see Amora the enchantress kill her in this movie anyway.But since Amora isn't in this movie (BULLSHIT BY THE WAY!!!) she will only get like ten minutes screen time i bet anyway. So who gives shit.
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