Thor: Love And Thunder's Cancer Storyline Upsets Some Fans
- The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s take on the Norse God of Thunder returned to movie theatres but some fans are upset by a plotline in which Natalie Portman’s character Jane Foster is fighting breast cancer.
- Other fans, however, praised the film for portraying resilience and strength in the midst of a difficult battle.
- Media like the big budget Thor: Love And Thunder can play an important role in educating the public on cancer and also provide compelling stories for those suffering through difficult times to look up to.
In Thor: Love and Thunder, the latest offering from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Natalie Portman’s character Jane Foster returns as the titular deity’s wayward love interest. In the film, Portman stars opposite Chris Hemsworth but rather than being a damsel in distress, she now has powers to match the long-haired Avenger. Along with other recurring MCU characters like Korg and Valkyrie, the pair face off against Christian Bale’s Gorr the God Butcher.
Read MoreSPOILERS AHEAD
In that storyline, Foster was diagnosed with breast cancer. To make matters worse, her ability to transform into her superhero form known as the Mighty Thor set back her treatment; each time she used the magical hammer Mjolnir to become her alter ego, the chemicals used her in her chemotherapy would leave her body. When she returned to her normal form, she would be back to the beginning in terms of her prognosis and treatment. With that storyline brought to the big screen, some fans are less than impressed.As someone who has a mother currently dying of cancer, I'm disgusted w/ how Thor L&T handled Jane's illness.
That's not what cancer looks like; even with the power of the gods, it wasn't enough to save her.
I almost could not hold back my anger filled tears.
no rain, no flowers (@Miss_Sailorette) July 8, 2022
For some fans, seeing graphic depictions of living with cancer should have come with a trigger warning. For those who have had brushes with the disease, or who have seen loved ones go through such a difficult ordeal, seeing it on the big screen in a movie marketed as a fun romp can be particularly upsetting.
No spoilers, but Thor: Love and Thunder SHOULD have had a trigger warning for graphic depiction of cancer and the fact that we didn’t know going in is atrocious
Xavier (@xavmoir) July 6, 2022
CW: cancer
If you're planning to see Thor: Love and Thunder and are sensitive to cancer/cancer treatment, it is an extremely prevalent theme and plot driver in the movie. Prepare yourself and take care of yourself if you need to 💙
michelle 🫠(@michelleleeleee) July 8, 2022
Others, however, saw the storyline as an inspirational one.
Jane Foster's storyline had insane emotional resonance for me. Both my mother & a close friend battled cancer a couple years ago. Thor's desire to protect Jane & Jane's struggle to keep fighting really hit home. I think we all needed to hear a story like this. pic.twitter.com/o8qS2rpKtj
Lunwi has seen this ratio (@Lunwi88) July 10, 2022
Cancer in Film and TV
Cancer in film and TV, while most often sad to watch, is an important way to educate about the disease. And nothing raises awareness more than a blockbuster film that has already earned more than $300 million around the world.
In the TV show The Big C starring Laura Linney, her character handles relatable issues that many cancer patients struggle with, such as how to tell your child you have cancer.
"At the end of the day I could wash [the makeup] off, which a lot of people can't," Linney acknowledged of playing a cancer patient. "The reality is I'm a very healthy person who has the privilege of being an actress who can hopefully tell a story that other people can relate to."
'The Big C' on SNTV Laughter as Medicine & Tough Subjects for Cancer Survivors Including Relationships & What to Tell Family
Linney, who won a Golden Globe for her role, shared a touching story with The Hollywood Reporter back in 2013 about learning just how powerful the show's value was while having an emotional exchange with a cab driver.
"I was in London, and I had gotten into a cab, and the driver burst into tears," she recalled. "I was so confused because I didn't realize that the show was that popular there to begin with, and he was so very grateful for the show. His wife has cancer, and they watch the show together, and he was very sweet and grateful that the show allowed them a way to talk to each other. That was really nice. You don't realize when you make a TV show that that's what you hope for."
To be able to understand what a person with cancer is going through is monumental, and beautifully complex characters like Linney's does more for this community than she even knows. Watching the show, drinking in the character, and seeing what she struggles with during her daily life shows another perspective and helps a partner or family member without cancer have more empathy for their loved ones going through it, especially when it's well done.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
