Chris Hemsworth Confirms Natalie Portman's Return as Jane Foster in THE AVENGERS

During a recent press junket promoting Marvel Studios' Thor, Hemsworth reiterated his multi-picture deal with the studio & put to rest rumors Portman will not be back in the upcoming ensemble superhero film.

The Avengers is scheduled to hit theaters on May 4th, 2012, and will unite Captain America (Chris Evans), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders), S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Phil Coulson (Clark Gregg) and S.H.I.E.L.D. Director Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) for the first time in cinematic history.

In a recent interview with Italian news site BadTaste, Hemsworth stated that his multi-picture deal with Marvel Studios delineates two Thor sequels as well as three Avengers projects. He went on to say that Oscar-winner Natalie Portman -- who portrays his Earthly love interest Jane Foster -- will be reprising her role in The Avengers. This confirmation seems to put to rest the assumption Stellan Skarsgard's character, Professor Erik Selvig, will be the only supporting character from Thor to cross over into the ensemble superhero film which is currently filming in various locations in the US.

Meanwhile, Marvel's Thor -- which stars Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, Natalie Portman, Jaimie Alexander and Ray Stevenson -- is directed by Kenneth Branagh and scheduled for 2D and 3D theatrical release on May 6th, 2011.