Washington, July 14 : Natalie Portman has been cast as the female lead in `Thor, Marvel Studios'' adaptation of its comic book.

The 28-year-old Portman has been cast as Jane Foster, who was a nurse and first love of the title character in the Marvel Comics, reports Variety.

According to Marvel Studios, the character is being updated for the movie version of `Thor,' in which the Norse warrior is cast down to Earth to live among humans.

Chris Hemsworth stars as Thor in the movie, which begins shooting early next year. It is due in theaters May 20, 2011.

Paramount will distrib the pic, to be directed by Kenneth Branagh. (ANI)