Natalie Portman could be in great demand following her break from acting after it emerged she is the star who provides the Hollywood studios the biggest bang for their buck.

The star’s movies rake in $42.70 (£26.48) for every dollar she is paid, the highest of any of her peers according to research compiled by Forbes.

The figures, which compared box office grosses and budget to salary on, were compiled from her three most recent starring performances. The stand out film was Black Swan, which grossed $329m from a budget of $13m.

The survey, which ignored her supporting role in Thor, found that while Your Highness was a flop, No Strings Attached earned $150m with the filmmakers spending $25m.

Portman started acting at the age of 13 in Leon acted regularly until taking time off to be with her new-born son after Thor. She is now appearing in the latest movie from acclaimed director Terrence Malick.

Portman edged out Kristen Stewart, the star of the Twilight films, who returns $40.60 for every dollar she earns per movie.