This year’s Comic-Con proves that women are officially at the helm of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This weekend, a number of female-led casting announcements were made at the San Diego convention’s massive Marvel panel. Perhaps the most exciting of all? Natalie Portman was passed the hammer of Thor and will star as the Goddess of Thunder.
On Saturday, Portman made an appearance beside Thor director Taika Waititi and co-stars Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson, where she was passed Thor’s famous weapon. Fans will remember that she starred in the first two Thor films as astrophysicist and Thor’s love interest, Jane Foster. But as in the 2014 comic book, Foster is granted the title Goddess of Thunder. The forthcoming Thor film will premiere on November 5, 2021.
Beyond Portman’s big announcement, Marvel Studios revealed that Scarlet Witch will get her own tv show, WandaVision, on Disney Plus in 2021. The series will be based on Vision and Scarlet Witch, with Paul Bettany and Elizabeth Olsen and reprising their respective roles. Black Widow is also getting her own solo movie, in theaters May 1, 2020. Scarlett Johansson, who will reprise her role, tells USA Today that the film is a “a mature step” for the MCU.
Fans are equally excited and sharing the love on social media. “Hell yeah! this will be fun. Been waiting for Lady Thor,” wrote a Twitter user in response to Portman’s announcement. “Love this direction, feels like such a radical take,” said another. It certainly looks to be a new, welcomed direction for Marvel, considering that the MCU saw its first female-led film this year with Brie Larson as Captain Marvel. We can’t wait to see these other ladies kicking butt and taking names.
Natalie Portman is coming back to the MCU as Jane Foster or should I say as Thor pic.twitter.com/EILrzqUNNY
— 🌻 (@lPOISONIVYl) July 21, 2019
