When director Patty Jenkins ("Monster," "The Killing" pilot) departed "Thor 2," the ever-present "creative differences" were cited as the reason.

It's now becoming apparent that the split was less-than-amicable and that "Thor" star Natalie Portman, who apparently signed to the sequel mainly to work with Jenkins, is angry about how it all went down.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, sources close to the production claim that Jenkins was indeed fired and that Marvel Studios thought that she showed “a lack of overall clarity in her choices,” and they were afraid she wouldn't be able to deliver the film by a promised November, 2013 release date.

The report continues to say that Portman, who was actually considering taking a break from acting altogether but was enticed to make the sequel after Jenkins was brought on board, was angered by Marvel's move. However, there's not much Portman can do about it -- she's contractually obliged to shoot the film. Likely to avoid any bad blood, the studio is reportedly conferring with Portman in the decision-making process of hiring a new director.

Nonetheless, the brouhaha could further stall the release of the sequel which has already been moved once, and is allegedly still in search of a final script.

Last week, it was revealed that marvel was considering two acclaimed TV helmers for the sequel, but it remains to be seen who will land the coveted gig.

Whatever they end up doing, they can still look forward to Thor's immediate return in the May 2012 arrival of "The Avengers."

Kenneth Branagh directed 2011's "Thor," which also starred Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Kat Dennings, Anthony Hopkins and Idris Elba.