Taika Waititi’s Marvel Return may be back on the table. A new rumor claims that the filmmaker is reportedly in talks to return to the MCU, despite previously ruling himself out of a potential fifth Thor movie.
The report does not identify the Marvel project involved. Marvel Studios and Waititi’s representatives have also not confirmed the claim. That leaves one major question: could Waititi actually return to Thor, or is another MCU project bringing him back?
Taika Waititi’s Marvel Return Is Reportedly in Talks
Scooper MyTimeToShineHello claimed on X, formerly Twitter, on September 24, 2026, that Waititi is in talks to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The report does not reveal which project Waititi could join.
That detail is important because Waititi previously said that he would not direct a potential Thor 5. His latest reported talks could therefore involve a completely different MCU property. For now, Taika Waititi’s Marvel Return remains an unconfirmed rumor.
Waititi Previously Ruled Out Thor 5
The new report comes nearly three years after Waititi discussed his future with Marvel. While promoting Next Goal Wins in November 2023, Waititi said he would not be involved with a potential fifth Thor movie.
“I know that I won’t be involved,” Waititi said at the time. “I’m going to concentrate on these other films that I’ve signed on for.”
Waititi explained that his development slate already included several major projects. Among them were a Star Wars movie, an adaptation of The Incal, and Kazuo Ishiguro’s Klara and the Sun. The filmmaker suggested that those commitments could occupy much of his schedule.
“So that’s six, seven years gone,” Waititi said.
His comments appeared to put a potential return to Thor well outside his immediate plans.
Waititi Left the Door Open for Marvel
Although Waititi ruled himself out of Thor 5 at the time, he did not completely shut the door on Marvel. Instead, he described his relationship with the studio as an open one.
“We’re in an open relationship,” he said. “If they want to see other people, I’m happy for that.”
Waititi also indicated that he would be willing to work with Marvel again in the future. That makes the new Taika Waititi’s Marvel Return rumor particularly interesting. His earlier comments focused specifically on Thor, rather than ending his relationship with Marvel altogether. As a result, another MCU project could potentially be behind the reported talks.
Could Taika Waititi Return for Thor 5?
One obvious possibility is Thor 5, but there is currently nothing confirming that connection. Waititi directed both Thor: Ragnarok and Thor: Love and Thunder. The latter arrived in theaters in 2022 and took a much more comedic approach to the character. The movie divided audiences, with its humor becoming one of the most discussed aspects of the sequel.
Chris Hemsworth later reflected on the experience and acknowledged that the creative team may have gone too far with the comedy.
“It just became too silly,” Hemsworth admitted.
Hemsworth also said that the team “had too much fun” while making the movie. Those comments have kept discussions about a potential fifth Thor movie going.
Chris Hemsworth Wants Thor to Feel Unpredictable
Hemsworth has also discussed what he would want from another Thor installment. The actor previously told Entertainment Weekly that he wanted a future movie to feel different from what came before.
“I don’t want to continue to do it until people are so exhausted that they roll their eyes,” Hemsworth said.
Hemsworth’s comments suggest that a future Thor movie could take a different creative direction. However, they do not confirm Waititi’s involvement.
What Marvel Project Could Bring Waititi Back?
The biggest mystery surrounding Taika Waititi’s Marvel Return is the identity of the project. The new report does not mention Thor 5, another established MCU franchise, or a completely new property.
Waititi’s previous Marvel work makes Thor an obvious possibility for fans. However, his 2023 comments make that connection far from certain. Marvel Studios could also be exploring a new collaboration that has nothing to do with the God of Thunder. Until more details emerge, there is no confirmed answer.
Taika Waititi’s Marvel Return Remains Unconfirmed
For now, Taika Waititi’s Marvel Return is based entirely on an unverified report. The rumor is notable because Waititi previously said he would not work on Thor 5, while also making clear that he remained open to collaborating with Marvel again.
If the latest report is accurate, the filmmaker could be preparing for an MCU project that has not yet been revealed.
Until Marvel Studios or Waititi officially confirms the project, however, fans will have to wait to discover whether the filmmaker is really returning to the MCU—and what his next Marvel story could be.
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