The Marvel Cinematic Universe is no stranger to surprises, and as Avengers: Secret Wars looms on the horizon as the epic conclusion to the Multiverse Saga, set for release in May 2027, fresh rumors are swirling that could bring back one of its most empowering heroes. Reports suggest Natalie Portman is in talks to reprise her role as Jane Foster, aka the Mighty Thor, in this massive crossover event—potentially as part of a comic-accurate Thor Corps assembled to battle the god-like threat of Doctor Doom. While nothing is officially confirmed by Marvel Studios, the buzz has fans excited about the possibilities, especially given Portman’s transformative performance in Thor: Love and Thunder and the multiversal doors wide open in the current saga.

Portman’s journey with the MCU has been a rollercoaster of highs and hiatuses. She first captivated audiences as the brilliant astrophysicist Jane Foster in 2011’s Thor, bringing intelligence and heart to the God of Thunder’s Earth-bound romance. Her chemistry with Chris Hemsworth’s Thor was immediate, grounding the Asgardian epic in human emotion. She returned for 2013’s Thor: The Dark World, but behind-the-scenes changes left her disillusioned, leading to a near-decade absence. Portman skipped Thor: Ragnarok entirely, and many assumed her time in the franchise was over.

That changed dramatically with Thor: Love and Thunder in 2022, directed by Taika Waititi. Portman didn’t just return—she evolved Jane into the Mighty Thor, wielding a reconstructed Mjolnir and battling cancer with superhuman strength. The film explored profound themes of mortality, love, and worthiness, culminating in Jane’s heroic sacrifice against Gorr the God Butcher. Her post-credits arrival in Valhalla, greeted by Heimdall, hinted at unfinished business, leaving the door ajar for future appearances. Portman’s physical transformation—bulking up for the role—and emotional depth earned widespread praise, proving she could carry superhero action with grace and power.

Now, whispers of her comeback in Avengers: Secret Wars are gaining traction. The rumors stem from insider reports suggesting Marvel wants to leverage the multiverse to pull in variants of beloved characters, much like the comic event that inspired the film. In the 2015 Secret Wars storyline by Jonathan Hickman, Doctor Doom creates Battleworld from remnants of destroyed universes, enforcing his rule with a Thor Corps—a police force of Thor variants from across realities. Jane Foster’s Mighty Thor plays a key role, infiltrating the corps and sparking rebellion. Adapting this could allow Portman to return as a variant Jane, perhaps one who never faced cancer or survived longer as Thor, joining forces with Hemsworth’s mainline Thor and other hammer-wielders.

This fits perfectly with the MCU’s multiversal playbook. Avengers: Doomsday (May 2026) and Secret Wars are directed by the Russo Brothers, known for massive ensembles and emotional payoffs in Infinity War and Endgame. With Robert Downey Jr. back as the villainous Victor von Doom, the films promise an all-out war pulling heroes from every corner—Fox’s X-Men, Sony’s Spider-variants, and potentially resurrected or alternate Avengers. A Thor Corps would be a spectacular visual, featuring multiple Thors thundering into battle, lightning cracking across shattered realities.

Portman has remained coy but positive about MCU returns in interviews. She’s expressed how much fun she had on Love and Thunder, praising the collaborative environment and her co-stars. While she hasn’t been directly asked about Secret Wars, her enthusiasm for the role and openness to superhero projects suggest she’d jump at a meaningful comeback. The multiverse offers a clean way to honor Jane’s sacrifice in the main timeline while introducing a fresh version—perhaps a battle-hardened Mighty Thor leading the charge against Doom’s forces.

The potential Thor Corps lineup excites fans endlessly. Hemsworth’s Thor is confirmed for a major role in Doomsday, setting up his involvement in the finale. Variants could include Beta Ray Bill (long-rumored), a frog Thor for humor, or even Loki wielding thunderous power in disguise. Portman’s Mighty Thor would add diversity and emotional weight, representing resilience and humanity amid god-like chaos. Her Jane could team up with other female powerhouses like Captain Marvel or Scarlet Witch variants, creating iconic moments.

Secret Wars is shaping up as the ultimate MCU celebration, blending nostalgia with new threats. Confirmed returns include Anthony Mackie’s Captain America, Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange, and a host of multiversal guests. Bringing back Portman’s Mighty Thor aligns with Marvel’s push for stronger female representation post-Love and Thunder. It also ties neatly into Thor’s ongoing arc—Hemsworth has teased deeper, more mature stories for his character, and reuniting with Jane (even a variant) could provide poignant closure or evolution.

Of course, rumors are just that until Marvel confirms. The studio’s secrecy is legendary, with actors often denying involvement right up to trailers. But the logic holds: Love and Thunder introduced Mighty Thor too prominently to shelve forever, especially with Secret Wars‘ comic roots demanding a Thor Corps. Portman’s star power and the character’s fanbase make her a natural fit for the event’s scale.

As the Multiverse Saga builds to its climax, the idea of Natalie Portman swinging Mjolnir once more—cracking Doom’s armor alongside an army of Thors—feels like the kind of epic payoff fans crave. Whether as a valiant variant infiltrating the corps or a resurrected hero from Valhalla, her return would electrify the screen. With production ramping up and reshoots possible, excitement is building. If these reports hold true, Avengers: Secret Wars could deliver one of the saga’s most thunderous surprises: the Mighty Thor, worthy as ever, leading the charge into battleworld.

In a franchise defined by resurrection and reinvention, Portman’s Jane Foster embodies that spirit. Her potential comeback isn’t just about spectacle—it’s about celebrating a hero who proved strength comes in many forms. As Doom’s shadow looms, the MCU needs all the thunder it can muster. And who better to bring it than the Mighty Thor herself?