Jane Foster (Marvel Cinematic Universe)

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Jane Foster
Marvel Cinematic Universe character
Jane Foster / Mighty Thor as portrayed by Natalie Portman in Thor: Love and Thunder
First appearanceThor (2011)
Last appearanceThor: Love and Thunder (2022)
Based on
Jane Foster
by
Adapted by
Portrayed byNatalie Portman
In-universe information
AliasMighty Thor
TitleDoctor
Occupation
  • Astrophysicist
  • S.H.I.E.L.D.
Affiliation
  • S.H.I.E.L.D.
  • Kingdom of
    New Asgard
Weapon
Mjolnir
Significant otherThor
NationalityAmerican

Jane Foster is a fictional character in the film and television franchise Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) portrayed by Natalie Portman, based on the character of the same name from Marvel Comics created by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, and Jack Kirby.

Foster appears in Thor (2011), Thor: The Dark World (2013), and Thor: Love and Thunder (2022), where she becomes the Mighty Thor. Alternate versions of Foster appear in Avengers: Endgame (2019) and the animated television series What If...? (2021).

Although Portman's performance was praised, the character received mixed reception from the first two Thor films, though her portrayal in Thor: Love and Thunder as the Mighty Thor was better received and is considered by many to be one of the highlights of the film.

Concept and creation

Natalie Portman at the 2019 San Diego Comic-Con

The comic book character,

Norse god superhero Thor, in nearly every issue through #136 (Jan. 1967) of the title, by then renamed Thor.[1]

Characterization

Portman stated that she really wanted to do a big effects film that emphasized character, and getting to do it with Branagh was a new way of approaching it, relative to Star Wars.[7] Regarding her preparation for the role Portman remarked, "I signed on to do it before there was a script. And Ken, who's amazing, who is so incredible, was like, 'You can really help create this character'. I got to read all of these biographies of female scientists like Rosalind Franklin who actually discovered the DNA double helix but didn't get the credit for it. The struggles they had and the way that they thought – I was like, 'What a great opportunity, in a very big movie that is going to be seen by a lot of people, to have a woman as a scientist'. She's a very serious scientist. Because in the comic she's a nurse and now they made her an astrophysicist. Really, I know it sounds silly, but it is those little things that makes girls think it's possible. It doesn't give them a [role] model of 'Oh, I just have to dress cute in movies'".[8]

Speaking to the character's role in Thor: The Dark World, producer Kevin Feige said, "[W]hile Thor was a fish out of water on Earth in the first two films (Thor and The Avengers), this time Jane is very much a fish out of water in Asgard."[9] Portman added, "It was a whole different adventure this time. Because Jane is the fish out of water. I didn't want to make it like Bill & Ted, or like a valley girl dumped into Shakespeareland."[10] Portman also said the film finds Jane at a different place in her life, "Jane has moved, so she's now in London, not in Santa Fe anymore. Obviously she has gone through missing Thor and also being upset at him because he didn't come knock on her door when he was on her planet. She's definitely been getting over that and trying to move on."[11] Hemsworth's wife Elsa Pataky stood in for Portman during the post-credits kissing scene due to a scheduling conflict.[12]

In

prop home to practice using it for her stunts.[18]

Appearances

Fictional character biography

Meeting Thor

Astrophysicist Dr. Jane Foster, her assistant Darcy Lewis, and mentor Dr. Erik Selvig find the Asgardian Thor in New Mexico, where he has landed after being cast out of Asgard. Thor and Foster develop a mutual attraction, as Thor seeks his hammer. After Thor returns to Asgard to confront Loki, Foster and her team search for a way to open a portal to Asgard.

Contact with the Aether and relationship with Thor

In London, Foster and Lewis travel to an abandoned factory where portals to another dimension have appeared, disrupting the laws of physics around them. Separating from the group, Foster is teleported to another world, where, beyond Heimdall's near all-seeing vision, she absorbs the Aether. Heimdall alerts Thor, leading him to Earth. When Thor finds Foster, she inadvertently releases an unearthly force, and Thor returns with her to Asgard. Odin, recognizing the Aether, warns that the Aether will not only kill Foster but that its return heralds a catastrophic prophecy. Dark elf Malekith, awakened by the Aether's release, attacks Asgard. During the battle, Malekith and Algrim search for Foster, sensing that she contains the Aether. Thor's mother Frigga is fatally stabbed protecting Foster, and Malekith and Algrim are forced to flee without Foster. Despite Odin's orders not to leave Asgard, Thor reluctantly enlists the help of Loki, who knows of a secret portal to Svartalfheim, where they will use Foster to lure and confront Malekith, away from Asgard. In return, Thor promises Loki vengeance on Malekith for killing their mother. With Volstagg and Sif stalling Asgardian soldiers and Fandral assisting their escape, Thor, Loki, and Foster head to Svartalfheim. There, Loki tricks Malekith into drawing the Aether out of Foster, but Thor's attempt to destroy the exposed substance fails. Thor and Foster discover another portal in a nearby cave and reunite in London with Lewis and Foster's mentor Dr. Erik Selvig—who was briefly institutionalized due to the mental trauma he suffered during Loki's attack on Earth. They learn that Malekith plans to restore the Dark Elves to dominance by unleashing the Aether at the center of the Convergence in Greenwich. After Thor battles and defeats Malekith, Foster and Thor reunite on Earth.

They then return to New Mexico and establish a relationship there. However over time, Thor continues to work with the Avengers and Foster becomes busy with her studies. Eventually, in 2015, Foster breaks up with Thor.

In 2018 she disintegrates, but five years later is restored to life.[20]

Cancer diagnosis and becoming the Mighty Thor

In 2023, Foster is diagnosed with

Korg
to fight Gorr. The group thwarts Gorr, but he escapes, kidnapping several Asgardian children and imprisoning them in the Shadow Realm.

The group travels to Omnipotence City, a realm that is home to many gods, to warn them and ask for their help. The leader of the gods,

Stormbreaker, in order to open the Bifrost and enter the realm of Eternity
, who can grant his wish to destroy all gods.

Death

Drained of her strength each time she uses Mjolnir, Foster is warned that using it once more will likely kill her. Thor persuades Foster to let him fight Gorr alone while she recuperates. When Foster senses that Gorr is about to kill Thor, she makes the ultimate sacrifice in joining the battle with Mjolnir to save him. They destroy the Necrosword, but the three are brought into Eternity's realm. After Thor implores Gorr to revive his daughter instead of destroying the gods, he leaves Gorr to decide while he attends to Foster, who succumbs to her illness in Thor's arms after they have completely made their peace with each other. Moved by their display, Gorr wishes for Eternity to revive his daughter, Love, which it grants. Foster's spirit then arrives at the gates of

Heimdall welcomes her to the afterlife
and thanks her for helping save his son.

Alternate versions

Reality Stone Heist

In 2013, Foster is seen in

Reality Stone
from her.

Party Prince Thor

In a universe where Loki was returned to the Frost Giants and Thor was raised as an only child, Thor travels to

Darcy Lewis
, suggests that Danvers instead attack Thor in less populated areas.

Seeking a more peaceful solution, Foster contacts

Ultron in Vision's body, who wields all six Infinity Stones
.

Reception

While Natalie Portman's performance as Jane Foster was positively received by critics, Foster's character garnered mixed reviews.

Thor film series, writing, "Although Jane has always been a resilient, intelligent person — a brilliant astrophysicist who did some incredible research on the complex Einstein–Rosen Bridge theory — her character was reduced to a damsel in distress in Thor: The Dark World, after which she completely disappeared from the MCU (I wouldn't count the dubious shot of the back of her head in Avengers: Endgame)."[26] Valerie Complex of Deadline Hollywood referred to the character as a "damsel in distress" prior to Thor: Love and Thunder.[27]

Following the release of Thor: Love and Thunder, Natalie Portman's performance was praised alongside Foster's character. Cooper Hood of

Thor films. She is fully committed to the part and looks good while doing it. She has some very cool fight scenes and will hopefully do more of that the future."[27] Nick Allen of RogerEbert.com reviewed Love and Thunder positively, praising Portman's performance and the development of her character across the film, stating, "In both her human and her heroic state, Portman's performance conveys why it's great to see Jane again."[30] Todd Gilchrist of The A.V. Club gave a positive review of the film and applauded the performance of Portman, complimenting the development of her character across the movie, saying, "Portman delivers the goods as "The Mighty Thor," kicking ass alongside Hemsworth even if her inaptitude for catchphrases offers a solid running joke as she develops her heroic bona fides."[31] Debbopriyaa Dutta of /Film found that Love and Thunder manages to empower Foster's character, stated the film succeeds to provide a realistic development of Foster's relationship with Thor, and found the death of the character to be a "good way of closing out Jane's arc within the context of the direction the film decided to march in."[26] Lacy Baugher of Den of Geek called Portman "effervescent" as Foster, stating, the film "gives Jane Foster the story she's deserved for the past decade," and praised the development of the character, writing, "She has passed the test and become a true hero, and at long last when it comes to this character."[32]

Accolades

Year Work Award Category Recipient(s) Result Ref(s)
2012 Thor Jupiter Award Best International Actress Natalie Portman Won [33]
2014 Thor: The Dark World Teen Choice Awards Choice Movie Actress: Sci-Fi/Fantasy Won [34]
2023 Thor: Love and Thunder Kids' Choice Awards Favorite Movie Actress Won [35]
Critics' Choice Super Awards Best Actress in a Superhero Movie Won [36]

Notes

  1. ^ As depicted in Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

References

  1. ^ "Jane Foster". Grand Comics Database.
  2. ^ a b Warmoth, Brian (July 13, 2009). "Natalie Portman Joins 'Thor' Cast, Chris Hemsworth Confirmed As Lead". www.webcitation.org. Archived from the original on September 14, 2015. Retrieved May 5, 2021.
  3. ^ Grossbreg, Josh (November 23, 2009). "Natalie Portman's "Weird" Reason for Hooking Up With Thor". E!. Retrieved October 27, 2011.
  4. ^ a b Fleming, Mike (October 13, 2011). "TOLDJA! Patty Jenkins Confirmed as 'Thor 2' Director". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on October 13, 2011. Retrieved October 13, 2011.
  5. ^ a b c "'Avengers: Endgame' explained: Does Natalie Portman's Jane Foster return?". EW.com. Retrieved May 5, 2021.
  6. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony; Ramos, Dino-Ray (July 20, 2019). "Natalie Portman Is Female Thor In 'Thor Love And Thunder' Opening Fall 2021 –Comic-Con". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 21, 2019. Retrieved July 21, 2019.
  7. ^ "MARVEL-OUS STAR WATTAGE: Actors Assemble For Comic-Con Panel Including 'The Avengers', 'Captain America', & 'Thor'". Deadline Hollywood. July 24, 2010. Archived from the original on July 5, 2011. Retrieved July 25, 2010.
  8. ^ Kaufman, Amy; Boucher, Geoff (November 19, 2010). "Natalie Portman says 'Thor' role hammers away at 'cute' stereotypes". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on July 4, 2011. Retrieved November 19, 2010.
  9. ^ Alexander, Bryan (April 22, 2013). "Exclusive look: Thor returns in 'The Dark World'". USA Today. Archived from the original on September 19, 2013. Retrieved April 22, 2013.
  10. ^ White, James (August 11, 2013). "Hiddleston And Portman on Thor: The Dark World". Empire. Archived from the original on August 12, 2013. Retrieved August 12, 2013.
  11. ^ "Thor: The Dark World Production Notes" (PDF). Marvel Studios (via Business Insider). Archived (PDF) from the original on November 21, 2013. Retrieved November 20, 2013.
  12. ^ Lee, Esther (December 3, 2013). "Natalie Portman: Chris Hemsworth's Wife Elsa Pataky Was My Stand-In For Kissing Scene in Thor: The Dark World". Us Weekly. Archived from the original on December 4, 2013. Retrieved December 4, 2013.
  13. ^ Chapman, Wilson (April 18, 2022). "'Thor: Love and Thunder' Teaser Reveals Natalie Portman as the New Thor". Variety. Archived from the original on April 18, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  14. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony; Ramos, Dino-Ray (July 20, 2019). "Natalie Portman Is Female Thor In 'Thor Love And Thunder' Opening Fall 2021 –Comic-Con". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 21, 2019. Retrieved July 21, 2019.
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  17. ^ Travis, Ben (May 9, 2022). "Taika Waititi Says Thor: Love And Thunder Is 'A Fantastic Film' – And Cooler Than He Expected It To Be". Empire. Archived from the original on May 11, 2022. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
  18. ^ "Natalie Portman talks about holding Mjolnir, Tessa Thompson on working with Chris Hemsworth on Thor: Love and Thunder". GMA Integrated News. July 1, 2022. Archived from the original on July 2, 2022. Retrieved October 16, 2023.
  19. ^ Hughes, William (July 21, 2019). "Marvel just released an extremely intriguing cast list for Disney+'s animated What If...?". A.V. Club. Retrieved July 21, 2019.
  20. ^ Hood, Cooper (September 8, 2020). "Avengers: EVERY Confirmed Victim of Thanos' Infinity War Snap". Screen Rant. Archived from the original on February 26, 2021. Retrieved March 6, 2021.
  21. ^ Kuipers, Richard (April 17, 2011). "Film Review: 'Thor'". Variety. Retrieved May 29, 2021.
  22. ^ Turan, Kenneth (May 6, 2011). "Movie Review: 'Thor'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 29, 2021.
  23. ^ Kuipers, Richard (April 17, 2011). "Film Review: 'Thor'". Variety. Retrieved July 14, 2022.
  24. ^ Travers, Peter (November 7, 2013). "Thor: The Dark World". Rolling Stone. Retrieved July 14, 2022.
  25. ^ "Thor: The Dark World – review". the Guardian. October 31, 2013. Retrieved July 14, 2022.
  26. ^ a b Dutta, Debopriyaa (July 12, 2022). "How Thor: Love And Thunder Redeems Natalie Portman's Jane Foster". SlashFilm.com. Retrieved July 14, 2022.
  27. ^ a b Complex, Valerie (July 5, 2022). "'Thor: Love And Thunder' Review: This Film Belongs To Jane Foster". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 14, 2022.
  28. ^ Cooper, Hood (June 23, 2022). "Thor: Love & Thunder Early Reactions Praise Humor & Christian Bale". Screen Rant. Archived from the original on July 7, 2022. Retrieved July 7, 2022.
  29. ^ "Natalie Portman's Jacked-Up 'Thor: Love and Thunder' Look Required a Bit of "Movie Magic"". Vanity Fair. June 24, 2022. Retrieved July 14, 2022.
  30. ^ Allen, Nick (July 5, 2022). "Thor: Love and Thunder". RogerEbert.com. Archived from the original on July 7, 2022. Retrieved July 7, 2022.
  31. ^ Gilchrist, Todd (July 5, 2022). "Thor: Love And Thunder trades on Chris Hemsworth's charm, and tests Taika Waititi's". The A.V. Club. Archived from the original on July 7, 2022. Retrieved July 7, 2022.
  32. ^ "In Thor: Love and Thunder Marvel Finally Does Right By Jane Foster". Den of Geek. July 9, 2022. Retrieved July 14, 2022.
  33. ^ Online, Jupiter-Filmpreis. "JUPITER AWARD - Jupiter-Award.de". Jupiter-Filmpreis Online (in German). Retrieved July 14, 2022.
  34. ^ "Teen Choice Awards 2014 Nominees Revealed!". Yahoo! Movies. June 18, 2014. Archived from the original on June 17, 2014. Retrieved June 18, 2014.
  35. ^ Nordyke, Kimberly (March 4, 2023). "Wednesday, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Taylor Swift, Harry Styles Among Winners at 2023 Kids' Choice Awards". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on March 5, 2023. Retrieved October 16, 2023.
  36. ^ Vlessing, Etan (March 16, 2023). "Everything Everywhere All at Once Wins Big at 2023 Critics Choice Super Awards". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on March 16, 2023. Retrieved October 16, 2023.

External links