Thor: Ragnarok - Taika Waititi's Original Disinterest Transformed for the Paycheck
Struggling with financial difficulties and the arrival of a second child, Taika Waititi initially hesitated to direct Thor: Ragnarok However, he saw it as a chance to provide for his family A compelling story of determination and sacrifice
Taika Waititi initially had no interest in making a superhero movie, despite becoming known for his work on Marvel's Thor film series with Thor: Ragnarok and Thor: Love and Thunder. He stated on the Smartless podcast (via IndieWire) that he originally envisioned a career as an "auteur," focusing on smaller-budget films like Hunt for the Wilderpeople and What We Do in the Shadows. However, the need to support his growing family led him to ultimately take on the job.
"I was struggling financially and had just welcomed my second child, and I thought, 'This could be a great chance to provide for these kids,'" Waititi said.
He further mentioned that he did not read Thor comics during his childhood. In fact, when he did eventually read a Thor comic, he distinctly remembers feeling unimpressed. Waititi also remarked that Thor is "likely the least favored franchise" within the MCU.
Taika Waititi signed on to revitalize the Thor series, infusing it with a more comedic tone in Ragnarok, a direction he continued with Love and Thunder. Kenneth Branagh directed the original Thor, while Alan Taylor took over for Thor: The Dark World.
A fifth Thor movie starring Chris Hemsworth may now be in the works, but Waititi has ruled himself out of directing it.
Editor's P/S
Taika Waititi's journey to directing Thor: Ragnarok is a fascinating one. Initially uninterested in making a superhero movie, Waititi was drawn to the project by the opportunity to provide for his family. Despite his initial lack of interest in Thor, Waititi's passion for filmmaking and his unique comedic style ultimately led him to create a highly successful and critically acclaimed film.
Waititi's decision to infuse the Thor series with a more comedic tone was a bold move, but it paid off in a big way. Ragnarok was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $850 million worldwide and receiving widespread praise for its humor, action, and performances. Waititi's unique vision for the character of Thor has helped to revitalize the franchise and make it one of the most popular in the MCU.
