In a recent episode of the SmartLess podcast, filmmaker Taika Waititi opened up about his unexpected foray into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), sharing the journey that led him to direct two major hits for the franchise, Thor: Ragnarok and Thor: Love and Thunder.
Contrary to what one might expect, Waititi confessed that, initially, he had no interest in becoming part of the superhero series. Financial struggles at home, however, played a pivotal role in his decision to take on Thor: Ragnarok, viewing it as an opportunity to provide for his family.
Speaking candidly about his initial disconnect from the titular character, Thor, Waititi admitted, “And Thor, let’s face it — it was probably the least popular franchise. I never read Thor comics as a kid. That was the comic I’d pick up and be like ‘Ugh.’ And then I did some research on it, and I read one Thor comic or 18 pages, or however long they are. I was still baffled by this character.”
Despite his reservations, Waititi shared that fans shouldn’t expect to see him helm another sequel for this particular superhero, as he is already committed for the next six years. However, he expressed openness to the idea of the team approaching a different director for future projects.
Highlighting the unforeseen joy experienced during the filmmaking process, Waititi emphasized that the entire crew had “too much fun” creating the movies, resulting in films infused with his signature goofy humor. Both Thor: Ragnarok and Thor: Love and Thunder received critical acclaim and achieved significant box office success, each earning over $700 million.
Taika Waititi’s journey into the MCU stands as a testament to the unpredictability of creative paths, showcasing how a reluctant director can transform a seemingly less popular franchise into blockbuster brilliance. As fans eagerly anticipate his future endeavors, Waititi’s unique perspective and humor continue to leave an indelible mark on the superhero genre.
