Marvel Studios has always made some interesting choices when it came to adding new filmmakers to the fold. More often than not, True Believers are puzzled by the unorthodox choices at first, but then after seeing the movie, they’re pleasantly surprised with the results. Kenneth Branagh, the Russos, and James Gunn are perfect examples as everyone proceeded with caution before warmly embracing ‘Thor’, ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’, and ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’. And now the House of Ideas is at it again as frequent ‘Flight of the Concords’ collaborator and Academy Award-nominated short film director Taika Waititi is gearing up for a journey to Asgard with ‘Thor: Ragnarok‘. So how is he adjusting to his first big budget feature film? He recently weighed in on that.
While speaking to The Verge about his latest film titled ‘Hunt For The Wilderpeople’, Waititi discussed a few aspects of his upcoming work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. First, he shared how his transition from smaller projects like TV shows and commercials to a big budget blockbuster is going:
“It hasn’t been that different. So far it’s been good! I’ve been more organized, which is saying something, for a guy like me to be organized. I’m surrounded by really intelligent, amazing people. I’ve got access to great minds and great resources. So I’m at a real advantage. In terms of the studio thing, these people don’t act like a studio. They’re cool, smart storytellers. I’ve been enjoying hanging out with them. And I’ve made commercials, so I’ve worked with the worst people in the world. Nothing could be more restrictive than working with people in advertising.”
From there he went on to talk about how his style will fit within the mythology of Thor and the MCU. When asked whether this film will echo his style of comedy that he has become known for thanks to such films as ‘Eagle vs Shark’ and ‘What We Do In The Shadows’, he had this to say:
“Yes, it will. Until it doesn’t. [Laughs] I don’t know, I can only hope. I’ve got to bring as much of myself as I can to this, and then see how it goes. You obviously need people overseeing the bigger picture, the next five movies or whatever. Otherwise we’d all be left to our own devices, and God knows what would happen.”
Finally, with Marvel being known for being extremely collaborative in their efforts, Waititi touched on his feelings about not being in total control of the film or the character:
“I don’t think it’s as important with someone else’s source material, with someone else’s stuff. I didn’t invent Thor, so I don’t feel a passionate need to have creative control over him. I wonder how Stan Lee feels about me doing a Thor film? [Laughs]”
With sets already being built on Australia’s Gold Coast and production commencing within the next week, we’ll probably be hearing much more about ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ in the weeks to come. As that progresses, it will be interesting to see just how much of a mark Taika Waititi leaves on the project. So as we wait on answers to those questions and more, let us know what you think about the director’s comments below.
‘Thor: Ragnarok’ starring Chris Hemsworth, Karl Urban, Jeff Goldblum, Cate Blanchard, Tessa Thompson, Jamie Alexander, Tom Hiddleston, Idris Elba, Anthony Hopkins, and Mark Ruffalo strikes theaters on November 3, 2017.
Despite being a “professional writer”, Ben likes run-on sentences far too much. For more of his attempts at being funny and the occasional insightful thought, follow him on Twitter and Instagram.