The Director of “Thor: Ragnarok” (2017) has Decided to Move on From the MCU
During an interview with Business Insider, director, actor, and writer Taika Waititi discussed his career moving forward. While doing promotional for his latest film, Next Goal Wins (2023), Waitti talked about his future with Marvel and whether or not he would return to direct a fifth Thor movie. He clarified that he is not planning to direct Thor 5.
Waititi’s History with Marvel
Waititi’s relationship with Marvel began back in 2015, when he was announced as the director of the third movie in the Thor series, Ragnarok. To help build anticipation for the movie, Waititi wrote and directed two short films titled Team Thor (2016) and Team Thor Part 2 (2017), which were done in the style of a mockumentary, similar to another film he worked on, What We Do in the Shadows (2014). He then made a third short, Team Darly (2018), when Ragnarok came out on home media.
Once Ragnarok was released in theaters, some declared it as the best Thor film and that it reinvented the character for the better. The film had a lot more of a comedic edge, in contrast to the more serious tone of the first two movies. Due to the success of Ragnarok, naturally another sequel was in the works, with Waititi returning to the director’s chair. This resulted in Thor: Love and Thunder (2022), which brought back Natalie Portman as Jane Foster. A fifth movie was teased at the end of Love and Thunder, with reports that Marvel is currently in the development process.
Why the Director Wants to Step Away From Thor
In the interview, Waititi clarified that his saying no to doing a fifth Thor film is not because of bad blood with Marvel. He explained it by saying, “I love Marvel. I love working with them.” He even said he would be okay with Marvel getting another director for Thor 5 by stating on record, “I would never feel like they are cheating with me. We’re in an open relationship, and it’s like if they want to see other people, I’m happy for that.” As for why Waititi doesn’t want to return, he elaborated: “I’m going to concentrate on these other films I’ve signed up for.” Those films in question include an adaptation of the novel Klara and the Sun, a Flash Gordon movie, and even a Star Wars film that he is co-writing with Krysty Wilson-Cairns. Supposedly, he is also still trying to make a live-action adaptation of Akira. Needless to say, Waititi’s plate is quite full, so it’s understandable as to why he would want to prioritize other projects and not be tied down with one franchise.
Moving Forward
Ultimately, whatever Marvel and Taika Waititi decide to do from here on, it’s clear the two are now walking different paths. But who knows, maybe Waititi will change his mind and direct the film. Time will tell. For now, it seems someone else has the chance to take on the God of Thunder’s story.
Watch all Thor movies on Disney+.
Thor: Love and Thunder (2022) Official Marvel Trailer
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| I am from Michigan. I am a recent graduate of Bowling Green State University majoring in Film Production with a minor in Media Production. |
| Cailen Fienemann is a current student at Le Moyne College pursuing her BA in English and Communications with a film studies minor and a creative writing concentration. Though uncertain about her career end-goals, any job that allows her to write is a cherished one indeed. |
