While the Endgame brought about an end of an era, some franchises promised to go on and provide a better ending or in some case, a better beginning to the arcs of the heroes. With Captain America’s title provided to falcon, Jane foster might get the title of the newest worthy heroine, the female Thor. Marvel fans were elated to learn earlier this week that Thor: Ragnarok director TaikaWaititi would return to deliver audiences a new Thor film, with the Marvel Studios’ San Deigo Comic-Con panel adding even more excitement to the endeavor. Fans were given the film’s title, Thor: Love and Thunder, as Waititi, Chris Hemsworth, and Tessa Thompson took the stage. One of the biggest surprises came towards the end of the film’s discussion, as it was revealed that Natalie Portman would return to the series. Not only would she be returning, but she will be playing Jane Foster, adopting the mantle of Thor and the power of Mjolnir.
Portman debuted in the original Thor as Foster back in 2011, reprising her role in 2013’s Thor: The Dark World. The actress has largely been absent from the Marvel Cinematic Universe for the past six years, with this year’s Avengers: Endgame seeing her first return to the series since the Thor sequel. The film featured a flashback to the events of The Dark World and, while Portman’s Foster appeared on screen, the film didn’t ultimately utilize new footage of the actress. She had been one of the few heroines with a clear head in science and providing an active support to her hero, instead of just being a damsel in distress.
The events of Endgame saw Thor leave New Asgard behind, leaving Thompson’s Valkyrie in charge of the kingdom. It will be an interesting choice to see whether the cinematic universe will follow the comics in the storyline which gives Jane foster the power of Thor.
In the aftermath of Marvel’s Original Sin storyline, Foster was revealed to be battling cancer and was deemed worthy to wield Mjolnir when Thor was no longer able to. Foster embraced the duties, dubbing herself “Thor, the Goddess of Thunder.”
At the premiere of Endgame, Portman appeared and professed her pride over the role.
“It’s been so exciting to get to be part of this whole Marvel universe and get to see all of these incredible new characters be revealed to audiences every year and, of course, to have women in science be front and center is incredible, to spread that culture throughout the world,” Portman shared with Marvel about being part of the MCU’s foundation.
