Thor 2 (2013): Patty Jenkins Was Fired; Natalie Portman Upset With Marvel

When we first heard that Patty Jenkins left the director’s chair for Thor 2, it was stated due to “creative differences.”

Meaning, maybe she just left on her own.

However, now word comes via THR that Jenkins was actually fired – “without warning.”

That’s not all, as apparently, Natalie Portman, who plays the character of Jane Foster, is none too happy about it.

THR states that Portman, who is contractually obligated for the sequel, was hesitant to do Thor 2 in the first place, as the actress would rather stay at home with her new baby. However, as Portman was said to be part of the process in getting Marvel Studios to hire Jenkins, this seemed to reignite her passion for the movie.

THR also states that Portman heard about Jenkins’ dismissal after it was already made known publicly, and now Marvel Studios is attempting to smooth things over.

Regarding just why Patty Jenkins was let go seems to be a case of “he said, she said.”

One source says Marvel was afraid Jenkins wouldn’t have been able to make the November 15th, 2013 release date due to “lack of clarity.” 

While another source says Marvel ended up getting cold feet about Jenkins’ direction for Thor 2, which was said to be a strong vision, with the director stating she didn’t think she even had a chance to helm Thor 2 as it was.

Regardless what the reason, Marvel Studios has been getting some bad press as of late in regards to their direction of their movies.  Mickey Rourke let his feelings be known regarding his character Whiplash in Iron Man 2, how Marvel interfered with his portrayal. There is also speculation that John Favreau didn’t return for Iron Man 3 due to similar interference for the second Iron Man movie. In addition, THR says there have been budget issues with paying actors, namely Rourke and Scarlett Johansson.

Currently Alan Taylor and Daniel Minahan, of Game of Thrones fame, are in the mix to helm Thor 2, with the Taylor said to be the frontrunner.

Personally, if it happens that Portman is let go because of this, I would be fine with it. I felt her performance was the weakest of the movie.