Rene Russo Joins Cast Of ‘Thor’

First Published: December 17, 2009 12:41 PM EST Credit: Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Caption Rene Russo arrives at Peace Over Violence’s 38th Annual Humanitarian Awards Dinner on November 6, 2009 in Beverly Hills, Calif.Thor, meet your new mom – Rene Russo.

Russo has joined the cast of Paramount’s take on Marvel’s “Thor,” according to Variety.

She will play Frigga, the wife of Norse god Odin and mother of the hammer-wielding title character.

Frigga, the queen of Asgard according to the mythical tale, is also the adopted mother to Loki, the film’s main villain (and Thor’s foster brother).

As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, Chris Hemsworth will play Thor, Anthony Hopkins will play Odin and Tom Hiddleston will play Loki.

Natalie Portman will also star as Thor’s love interest, Jane Foster, in the film, which is being directed by Kenneth Branagh.

Shooting is slated to begin in January, with a release date in May 2011.

According to the story, Thor — a powerful but arrogant warrior — is sent down to Earth as punishment for reigniting an ancient war. But after a dangerous villain from his world sends the darkest forces of Asgard to invade Earth, the hammer-wielding Thor will learn what it takes to be a true hero in order to save mankind.

It will mark a return to the big screen for Russo, who last appeared in 2005’s “Two for the Money.”

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