'Thor 3 Ragnarok' Natalie Portman Replaced; MCU Phase 3 Flick's Plot and Script Change Highlights Thor and Hulk Partnership

Previous "Thor 3 Ragnarok" Natalie Portman updates claimed that the actress will not return to reprise her role as Jane Foster in the upcoming installment. While this has yet to be confirmed, Thor will most likely get a new partner in the new MCU phase 3 flick.

It has been confirmed that Mark Ruffalo will be part of the "Thor 3 Ragnarok" cast as The Hulk, and his involvement in Asgardian affairs have definitely excited Marvel fans. With him joining Thor, sources are claiming that the third installment will somehow be a buddy flick involving the green giant and the god of thunder.

As "Thor 3 Ragnarok" director Taika Waititi told Polygon, "It's hard to say what the movie is because it's changing. The plot has changed and the script has changed. There are buddy elements to it between Thor and the Hulk, but who knows what the final movie will look like."

As previous rumors suggested, the third movie will focus on the war waged against Asgard, and there might be very limited interaction with Midgard or Earth where Thor's lady love lives. Given this new direction, "Thor 3 Ragnarok" Natalie Portman rumors suggest that she might be replaced by another crucial character in the comics. Speculations are rife that Marvel execs are looking at casting "Creed" actress Tessa Thompson to play Valkyrie in the movie, Australia Network News noted.

Cast and crew of "Thor 3 Ragnarok" have reportedly started filming in Australia this month. The third installment is slated for a November 2, 2017 release date.

Stay tuned for more "Thor 3 Ragnarok" updates here!