After several years of absence, Jane Foster is about to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in a big way in the upcoming Thor: Love and Thunder -- not just as a scientist, but as the new Mighty Thor.In an interview with Variety, Director Taika Waititi explained why he thinks the award-winning actress decided to reprise her role. Waititi said plainly, "I just said to her, 'are you interested in coming back to this thing, but doing something really different?'" He then went on to explain that it was the unique journey for the character that likely appealed to her.He stated, "no one wants to keep repeating themselves, and no one wants to play the same characters all the time," adding, "I think for her [...] reprising that character, but in a whole fresh new way is really what would interest anyone."
Despite having a relatively brief role in the grand scheme of the "Infinity Saga," Jane Foster is undoubtedly one of the most interesting supporting characters in it, and not just because of her relationship with the God of Thunder. Keep in mind that Foster held the Reality Stone inside her for several days, survived and went on to assist in the defeat of a virtually immortal Dark Elf.
Since Thor: The Dark World, aside from appearing in a few photographs and a brief cameo in Avengers: Endgame, Natalie Portman had all but left the MCU, reportedly due to disagreements during the development of the poorly-received Thor sequel. Thankfully, that's all in the past and Thor: Love and Thunder will see Jane thrust into a whole new world. Look out, MCU, there's a new hero competing for the title of "Strongest Avenger."
Directed by Taika Waititi, Thor: Love and Thunder stars Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Tessa Thompson as Valkyrie and Natalie Portman as Jane Foster. The film arrives in theaters on November 5, 2021.