THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER Director Taika Waititi Unsure Whether Jane Foster Cancer Storyline Will Be In The Film

THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER Director Taika Waititi Unsure Whether Jane Foster Cancer Storyline Will Be In The Film

In a post-Oscars interview, Jojo Rabbit helmer Taika Waititi has addressed his plans for Thor: Love and Thunder, including whether Jane Foster's cancer storyline will factor into proceedings...

By JoshWilding - Feb 13, 2020 01:02 AM EST
Filed Under: Thor: Love and Thunder
Source: Variety
In the comic books, Jane Foster becomes The Mighty Thor shortly after being diagnosed with cancer. While transforming into the new God of Thunder gives the scientist untold power, it also undoes the chemotherapy she's receiving while in her human form. Needless to say, it's a fascinating and complex manner and something comic book fans are keen to see explored in Thor: Love and Thunder

During a recent interview with Variety, director Taika Waititi was asked if he plans to including Jane's cancer storyline in the movie and, as of right now, he doesn't seem entirely sure. 

"We don’t know," the filmmaker admitted shortly after winning an Oscar on Sunday evening. "That comics run was a big inspiration, and was an influence on the first few drafts. But at Marvel, we always change everything. I could say one thing right now, and in two years, it will be the complete opposite — or that thing won’t exist. We continue writing even in post-production."
 
When he was asked if that's based on what Marvel wants, Waititi replied: "Based on what the audience wants. We test the film. We shot for two weeks on 'Thor: Ragnarok' with our pickups. There were huge, huge character changes, huge story changes. We reshot entire scenes. I think that’s why they do good work. They’re relentless in their pursuit of just a good movie."

There are definitely ways for Jane to transform into Thor without her having cancer, and there's no denying that her dying from the disease is a pretty heavy topic for a Marvel movie to deal with! 

However, with Thor: Love and Thunder recently landing another writer, it's clear that it's still early days for the movie and, as Waititi explains, a lot can change as they go from draft to draft. 

To find out who we think Christian Bale could be playing in
Thor: Love and Thunder, hit the "Next" button below!

Cul, God Of Fear

Cur


Introduced in the disappointing Fear Itself storyline as "The Serpent," Cul is Odin's brother and was locked away by the King of Asgard eons ago to protect the world. Jason Aaron gave him something of a makeover, though, and as Asgard's de facto ruler, he proved to be a real thorn in the side to Jane Foster's Thor. 

While Asgard was destroyed in Thor: Ragnarok, Cul being able to return now Odin is dead does make sense and he would make a formidable first foe for Jane and a legitimate challenger to Valkyrie's rule. It's easy to imagine Bale having fun with a character like this one as he would nail Cul's eccentricities, while also getting to take on a comic book role vastly different to Bruce Wayne. 
 

Balder

Balder


Balder has been overlooked in the MCU from the very start, but it's about time Thor's half-brother gets the chance to shine. He's another character who could challenge Valkyrie's claim to the throne and exploring his dynamic with the God of Thunder would make for a fun subplot as the main spotlight is shifted to Jane Foster. 

If you're looking for someone capable of more than holding their own alongside Chris Hemsworth and chewing the scenery in the process, then Bale is a perfect choice to inject some life into a character who would definitely need to be fleshed out and freshened up for the big screen. 
 

Beta Ray Bill

Beta-Bill


Following the news that Bale is potentially going to join the cast of Thor: Love and Thunder, Beta Ray Bill started trending, and that's because fans are desperate to see this hero in a live-action setting. The actor taking on a mo-cap role like this one wouldn't be a bad thing, and this would definitely be a casting decision no one would have ever considered. 

Whether Taika Waititi can find room for Bill in Thor: Love and Thunder is another matter, but it would be a lot of fun seeing this alien butt heads with the new and old Gods of Thunder. Sure, he's a pretty weird character, but that's part of his charm and he's definitely worthy of an MCU debut.
 

Minotaur

Minotaur


Of all the characters listed here, Bale playing Dario Agger seems most likely. The CEO of the Roxxon Energy Corporation, Agger also has the ability to transform into the Minotaur and is a truly despicable individual who didn't shy away from doing whatever he damn well pleases to increase his wealth (including making a bargain with Malekith the Accursed). 

One of the main villains during Jason Aaron's Thor run, Bale would be able to channel his American Psycho character for this role and play a vicious and hateful bad guy who is a far cry from the Caped Crusader. He also happens to look the part - the human part, that is - so don't be shocked if this does end up happening in Thor: Love and Thunder.
 

Hercules

Hercules2


There were rumours that Hercules would be introduced in Eternals as the MCU's first openly gay superhero, but there have been no indications that there are any plans for the character there. Plus, it's always going to be tricky using an established mythological figure like Hercules, especially when we've seen so many iterations of the Greek demigod on film over the years. 

It's admittedly a little difficult to picture Bale rocking a "costume" similar to the one above, but Marvel Studios frequently reinvents characters and we could see the actor get to really stretch his comedic chops with Hercules. Plus, he'd get to kick a lot of butt alongside the God of Thunder!
 

Galactus

Galactus


How cool would this be? We know that the X-Men don't factor into Marvel Studios' current five-year plan, but concepts and characters from both that world and that of the Fantastic Four are clearly going to show up before then. That leaves plenty of room for the Eater of Worlds to make his presence felt in the MCU, starting with Thor: Love and Thunder

It's hard to say exactly what role he could play in the proceedings, but putting Bale in that suit would be no bad thing, particularly as it would mean he's playing the MCU's next big villain. Replacing Josh Brolin as Thanos will be no easy feat, but Bale as Galactus would be worth getting excited about. 
 

Gorr The God Butcher 

Gorr


As powerful as Galactus, Gorr's sole purpose in life is to destroy all Gods across the Multiverse as he believes they are inherently cruel and not worthy to rule. Taika Waititi gave some of his powers to Hela in Thor: Ragnarok (to an extent, anyway), but there's really no reason he couldn't show up here to terrorise the God of Thunder and try to finish Asgard once and for all.

You need someone as talented as Bale to play a character such as this, as he has to be more than just another destroyer looking to take down Thor because he feels wronged in some way (just look at how underwhelming Malekith was for that very reason). 
 

Mephisto

Mephisto


While it's definitely surprising that Mephisto has yet to make an appearance in the MCU, it's also hard to imagine where he could have shown up before now. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is one possibility, of course, but Nightmare seems a far more likely candidate for that film and so Thor: Love and Thunder is perhaps the next best place for him. 

In the comics, Jane Foster becomes Thor after the Odinson is deemed unworthy of wielding Mjolnir. What if, in the MCU, she makes a deal with Mephisto to save herself from the cancer that's killing her and steals Thor's powers in the process? That sounds a lot like a devil's bargain, and you just know that Bale would steal the show as this delightfully weird version of the devil.
 

Mister Hyde

Hyde


We're betting you weren't expecting to see this guy here, right? Inspired by the famous Jekyll & Hyde novel, Calvin Zabo concocted a similar formula. Repeated use of that destroyed his sanity and turned him into a savage schizophrenic creature and he's fought everyone from Thor to The Avengers over the years (he also served as a member of the Thunderbolts for a time). 

On the one hand, Bale would be wasted on a character like this one, but on the other, he could do something really different and unique with this quirky villain. Don't get us wrong, this probably wouldn't be our first choice, but as left field suggestions go, you have to admit that it could work.
 

Thunderstrike

Thunderstrike


In the comics, Eric Masterson was an architect bonded with Thor after the hero was punished for killing Loki. While Thor was eventually freed, Eric was given an enchanted mace by Odin as thanks for his service and took on the mantle of Thunderstrike. That would all likely have to be changed for the big screen, but this is a character with some potential.

After all, while he's not exactly an overwhelmingly popular character, he was a member of the Thor Corps alongside Beta Ray Bill and seeing that group on screen could be awesome. Bale playing a rival Thor isn't necessarily the most exciting possibility for this movie but it's one which could work if it's handled correctly. 

What are your thoughts on these suggestions for Christian Bale's possible role in Thor: Love and Thunder? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section down below.
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NinnesMBC
NinnesMBC - 2/13/2020, 1:22 AM
I just hope he gives Natalie Portman real good material for her to chew on. I think she should have an intra-personal, emotional arc in order to become the new holder of Mjolnir or whatever other means they use for her to power up.

Here is hoping.
mastakilla39
mastakilla39 - 2/13/2020, 5:04 AM
@NinnesMBC - Just saw JoJos Rabbit,great movie. I dont doubt that Waititi can get good performances outta the actors but am unsure if he can balance serious and comedic tones. That was the only real issue I had with Jojo Rabbit you couldnt take any of the varied tones seriously.

Who knows he can Thor Ragnarok it and make it a complete comedy action
CapnMurphy2021
CapnMurphy2021 - 2/13/2020, 8:16 AM
@mastakilla39 - interesting... I did t have that issue at all. In fact, I cried twice during two very powerful emotional scenes. I thought it was balanced very well... as he’s done with pretty much every film he’s written and directed.
Have you seen all of his films?
mastakilla39
mastakilla39 - 2/13/2020, 7:30 PM
@CapnMurphy2021 - I've only seen Thor 3, What we do in the shadows, and Hunt for the Wilderpeople. I have not seen his early works or shorts. I think his best film is still What we do in the shadows.

Jojo is well done and made but the tonal shifts did not work for me. The drastic changes in tone did not connect well so the dramatic scenes didn't work for me. It has a lot of heart though similar to a Wes Anderson movie.
Kumkani
Kumkani - 2/13/2020, 1:41 AM
It's a good opportunity for Natalie Portman to show off her acting skills but I can see why they may not do it. I think it should be included though.
bkmeijer2
bkmeijer2 - 2/13/2020, 2:28 AM
I wouldn't mind if they don't include it, but I think the storyline is in good hands with Taika
Doomsday8888
Doomsday8888 - 2/13/2020, 3:18 AM
That's such a HUGE part of Aaron's run, if you don't want to play with that (wonder why) don't even bother, man...
Catmanlives
Catmanlives - 2/13/2020, 3:34 AM
I think they should do it. It could be really empowering for people and could only serve to give the character more depth.
GhostDog
GhostDog - 2/13/2020, 3:51 AM
I would like to see it. It really hit home in that Aaron run.
Twenty23Three
Twenty23Three - 2/13/2020, 4:24 AM
Feels a fairly heavy subject to throw into a marvel movie. They hard avoided Iron Mans alcohol problem so I really can’t see them throwing Cancer in.
Whaley87
Whaley87 - 2/13/2020, 9:18 AM
@Twenty23Three - They did touch on it in both Guardians films a little bit.
dragon316
dragon316 - 2/13/2020, 4:49 AM
What I red a lot on these comments how it is not book accuarate to include cancer will be better it give better reason that she broke up with Thor
Vigor
Vigor - 2/13/2020, 4:58 AM
@dragon316 - what's your native language
99OPTIMISTPRIME
99OPTIMISTPRIME - 2/13/2020, 5:12 AM
There's no way to organically make the Lady Thor storyline work, and makes sense in the MCU. It's way too out of left field. I think they'll have make it basically a parody.
Franshu
Franshu - 2/13/2020, 5:19 AM
"There are definitely ways for Jane to transform into Thor without her having cancer, and there's no denying that her dying from the disease is a pretty heavy topic for a Marvel movie to deal with! "

I hope they don't cowardly back away from it
Ryguy88
Ryguy88 - 2/13/2020, 5:26 AM
So they are taking away the interesting parts and are just going with the gimmick.
Reeds2Much
Reeds2Much - 2/13/2020, 6:01 AM
@Ryguy88 - It's only (debatably) interesting in the books because there's an attachment to the character in the books. There's not enough Jane in the MCU for the audience to really care she has cancer.
CapnMurphy2021
CapnMurphy2021 - 2/13/2020, 8:31 AM
@Ryguy88 - What do you mean “taking away”?
Ryguy88
Ryguy88 - 2/14/2020, 6:44 AM
@Reeds2Much - then why care about her becoming Thor?
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