Rumor: Natalie Portman For Lois Lane In 'Superman'?

With the rumor that Darren Aronofsky is one of the key names on the Superman director shortlist being explored by Warner Bros. and Christopher Nolan, this additional rumor was probably inevitable. So roll this around in your head for a minute: Natalie Portman as Lois Lane.

It's a great rumor, if only that it would make for a much stronger Lois Lane than was seen in Bryan Singer's film. It also plays into Natalie Portman's evident fondness for genre projects, and obviously jumps off from her working relationship with Darren Aronofsky, with whom she worked for years to develop Black Swan.

This particular part of the Superman rumor puzzle comes from Moviehole, which reports that one member of the Black Swan production team says that Aronofsky has been talking about Superman for some time, and that Warner Bros. wanted Portman for Lois Lane when Bryan Singer's film was being assembled, and thinks that with Aronofsky on board to direct she would say yes.

But is it true? We have no official word from Warner Bros., but the smart money says that, if you're looking to cast a female lead in a film like this, Natalie Portman's name naturally comes up. Furthermore, if Darren Aronofsky's name is in the mix, especially as he's about to release a new film in which Portman is said to be magnificent, the link gets stronger.

But after Thor, is this a project the actress would be likely to take? That could depend on Aronofsky, but at this point it's way too early to make any reasonable guess. We're going to hear a lot more Superman rumors until Warner Bros. announces any final creative and casting decisions, so for the time being don't take any of the 'news' too seriously.