Israeli-born U.S. actress Natalie Portman has signed up to play Jane Foster in "Thor," the Marvel superhero picture Kenneth Branagh is to direct next year.

Portman has previously starred in the three most recently released installments in the "Star Wars" franchise, as well as "Beautiful Girls," "Garden State," "V for Vendetta" and "The Other Boleyn Girl."

Variety.com said she will play the Norse warrior's love interest in "Thor," which is slated for theatrical release May 20, 2011.

The Internet Movie Data Base lists Chris Hemsworth as the actor set to play the film's titular hero.