In a story from Variety, Rene Russo has come aboard the cast of Thor. She will play the role of Frigga, the stepmother of the title character.

Kenneth Branagh is directing this project which starts shooting in January and stars Chris Hemsworth as Thor. Paramount is going to release the film on May 20, 2011.

Russo will be the wife of Norse god Odin (Anthony Hopkins), "Frigga is the queen of Asgard. She's also the mother of Thor and Loki (Tom Hiddleston)."

Natalie Portman will play Thor's love interest.

Mark Protosevich and Zack Stentz wrote the screenplay which sees Thor restarting an ancient war. To make amends, Thor is sent down to Earth and must live among humans. Once he gets here, he discovers what being a true hero is all about when the most evil villain of Thor's world sends dark forces from Asgard to invade Earth.