Taika Waititi is once again addressing the ongoing debate surrounding his time with Marvel Studios. According to the director, his creative choices for Thor were never made in isolation. Instead, they were designed to benefit the MCU as a whole.
A Clear Creative Shift for the God of Thunder
When Taika Waititi took over the Thor franchise with Thor: Ragnarok, the character changed in a noticeable way. Unlike Thor (2011) and Thor: The Dark World (2013), his films embraced humor, colorful visuals, and a more self-aware tone.
As a result, Thor became more expressive and relatable. Many fans welcomed this evolution, which helped Thor: Ragnarok become one of the most praised solo MCU films.
However, Thor: Love and Thunder divided audiences. While some enjoyed its playful style, others felt the humor overshadowed the emotional moments. Even so, the film continued the creative identity established during the Taika Waititi Thor era.
Taika Waititi Explains the “Greater Good” of the MCU
Speaking with Variety, Waititi reflected on reshaping Thor alongside Chris Hemsworth. He emphasized that their collaboration focused on long-term storytelling rather than short-term reactions.
“Thor was around before me. The stuff that Chris and I did and how we shaped him into that new version… that was for the greater good of the franchise as a whole. I can’t wait to see these ‘Avengers’ movies. I was just watching ‘Infinity War’ and ‘Endgame’ two weeks ago. They’re so good. I’m good friends with the Russos and will love to see what they’re doing.”
This quote highlights Waititi’s belief that his Thor films helped position the character for major ensemble stories.
How Waititi’s Thor Fit Into the Larger MCU
Importantly, Thor’s lighter personality carried over into Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. Despite the darker stakes of those films, Thor’s humor and emotional depth remained central to his arc.
Because of this, many fans see the Taika Waititi Thor era as a bridge between Thor’s early solo movies and his powerful Avengers moments. The character felt more human, even while facing universe-ending threats.
The Russo Brothers and Thor’s Next Chapter
Waititi also took a moment to praise the Russo Brothers, who will direct Avengers: Doomsday. His comments suggest strong confidence in their vision for Thor’s future. Chris Hemsworth is officially returning as the God of Thunder, and early teaser footage has already placed significant focus on him. Therefore, Thor appears set to play a crucial role in the MCU’s next phase.
Marvel Studios has officially confirmed the theatrical release dates for its next two Avengers films. Avengers: Doomsday is set to hit theaters on December 18, 2026, followed by Avengers: Secret Wars, which will arrive on December 17, 2027. Together, these highly anticipated projects are expected to redefine the MCU once again, with Thor positioned at the center of the action as the franchise moves into its next major chapter.
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