Actress Natalie Portman agreed to play the lead role in 'Thor' because Kenneth Branagh is sitting in the director's chair.

Portman was all set to turn down an audition for the role.

However, when she realised that Branagh is helming the project, she not only accepted it enthusiastically but also praised the 'Hamlet' director.

"It was actually not something I was dying to do. Not Thor in particular, but a big movie. When I heard Ken was doing it, I said, 'Wow that is a daring and interesting idea," the Daily Star quoted her as telling to Total Film.

"Then I met Ken and he was someone I was extremely interested to get to spend three months with. It was probably the first, or one of the first times that my expectations were actually exceeded," she added.

The Hollywood star will play female lead Jane Foster in the upcoming Marvel Comics film alongside Anthony Hopkins and Idris Elba. (ANI)