In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Jane Foster is both a human scientist and a godly figure, thanks to her connection with the mystical hammer Mjolnir and the powerful force of the Bifrost that enables travel between dimensions. In the first two Thor movies and the upcoming sequel Thor: Love and Thunder, Jane’s story reflects the themes of identity, power, and sacrifice, as she discovers her potential as a hero and a deity.
The character of Jane Foster, portrayed by Natalie Portman, was introduced in the first Thor movie in 2011 as a brilliant astrophysicist who becomes involved with the titular Norse god, played by Chris Hemsworth. While their romantic relationship evolves over time, Jane also has her own journey of transformation, as she encounters the fantastical realm of Asgard, the threat of otherworldly enemies, and the ultimate fate of being worthy to wield the enchanted Mjolnir, which grants Thor his thunderous abilities. However, it was not until the announcement of Thor: Love and Thunder that Jane’s status as a god became fully apparent.
I. Jane and Mjolnir
One of the defining aspects of Jane’s godhood in the MCU is her association with Mjolnir, the weapon that Thor inherited from his father Odin and that can only be lifted by someone who is worthy. In Thor, Jane initially tries to extract scientific data from the mysterious object that crashes near her research site in New Mexico, but she soon realizes its true nature when Thor comes to retrieve it and is unable to do so because he has been deemed unworthy by Odin. When Jane touches the handle, however, she is able to lift the hammer and even use it to defend herself against the Destroyer, a robotic monster sent by Thor’s mischievous brother Loki. This act of bravery and compassion proves Jane’s worthiness and earns her the respect of Thor and his fellow Asgardians.
In Thor: The Dark World, which takes place after the events of The Avengers, Jane reunites with Thor and becomes infected by the Aether, a powerful substance that possesses her body and attracts the attention of Malekith, the leader of the Dark Elves who seeks to use it for his own purposes. With the help of Thor and his adoptive brother Loki, who is temporarily allied with them, Jane travels to Asgard to seek a cure for her condition. There, she discovers that Mjolnir has been enchanted to repel any non-Asgardians who try to lift it, but she manages to overcome this limitation by using a device called the Bifrost Bridge, which allows her to teleport to other realms and gain access to the hammer from a different angle. When Malekith invades Asgard and threatens to destroy the Nine Realms, Jane joins forces with Thor and his allies to fight back and ultimately uses her connection with the Aether to vanquish the villain and save the day.
II. Jane and the Bifrost
Another aspect of Jane’s godhood that emerges in Thor: The Dark World is her ability to harness the power of the Bifrost, the cosmic energy that connects the worlds and enables travel between them. While the original Bifrost was destroyed at the end of the first Thor movie, its replacement is revealed to be under construction in Asgard, overseen by Heimdall, the guardian of the bridge. Jane accidentally activates the Bifrost when she touches the Aether, creating a portal that transports her to another planet called Svartalfheim, where Malekith has hidden along with his army. Later, when Malekith attacks Asgard, Jane and her friends use the Bifrost to transport between different locations and coordinate their defense.
In Thor: Love and Thunder, which is set after the events of Avengers: Endgame and features Jane as the new Thor, it is likely that the Bifrost will play a key role once again, as well as exploring Jane’s godly abilities and her relationship with Mjolnir. One possibility is that the movie will draw inspiration from the comics storyline where Jane becomes the Mighty Thor after Thor loses his worthiness and adopts a new identity as Odinson. This shift would not only give Portman a chance to showcase her action skills and comedic timing, but also expand the representation of female heroes in the MCU and challenge traditional gender roles.
III. Jane’s significance
Finally, Jane’s journey in the MCU reflects the broader themes of identity, power, and sacrifice that resonate with many superhero stories. As a human scientist who becomes intertwined with the divine world, Jane struggles to reconcile her rational thinking and empirical methods with the mystical phenomena that defy explanation. She also faces obstacles and dangers that test her physical and emotional resilience, such as being infected by the Aether, threatened by Malekith, and separated from Thor due to their different priorities. However, Jane also demonstrates her courage, compassion, and intelligence, as she stands up for what she believes in, helps others in need, and makes discoveries that benefit the greater good. Moreover, her relationship with Thor highlights the contrast between their cultures and personalities, as well as the potential for mutual respect and growth.
In addition, Jane’s transformation from a mortal to a god, or at least godlike, challenges the notion of inherent superiority and raises questions about what it means to be divine. While Asgardians like Thor and Odin have long been established as godlike beings, their behavior and beliefs can be flawed and problematic, as seen in their history of wars, imperialism, and discrimination against other races. Jane’s emergence as a god, however temporary or incomplete, suggests that divinity can be earned through deeds and qualities rather than birthright alone, and that mortals can aspire to elevate themselves beyond their limitations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jane Foster’s status as a god in the Thor movies and the upcoming Thor: Love and Thunder reflects the complexity and diversity of heroism in the MCU. By wielding Mjolnir, harnessing the Bifrost, and embodying the virtues of science and humanity, Jane represents a new kind of superheroine who challenges the norms and expands the possibilities of the genre. Whether she becomes a permanent member of the pantheon or not, her journey has already made an impact on the MCU and its fans, and will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for years to come.