Taika Waititi opens up about his decision to direct “Thor: Ragnarok,” revealing that financial considerations played a significant role in his choice. Speaking on the “Smartless” podcast, the Oscar-winning director candidly shared that, despite the massive popularity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he initially had no interest in such projects. However, financial constraints, including being “poor” and welcoming a second child, led him to reconsider.
Waititi humorously acknowledged that, at the time, some Marvel fans seemed displeased with his involvement in the film. Prior to “Thor: Ragnarok,” Waititi had gained recognition for his work on films like “What We Do in the Shadows” (2014) and “Hunt for the Wilderpeople” (2016).
Despite his initial reservations, “Ragnarok” became a major success within the “Thor” franchise, grossing over $800 million globally. The film’s positive reception showcased Waititi’s ability to bring a fresh and entertaining perspective to the Marvel universe.
While he returned as the director for “Thor: Love and Thunder” in 2022, Waititi’s broader cinematic contributions include his Oscar-winning work on “Jojo Rabbit” (2020), where he served as both star and director.
