Taika Waititi was at the helm of the last two Thor films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but judging by his recent comments, the director may be done with the God of Thunder.
Speaking to Business Insider, Waititi was asked if he was involved at all in the future of the Thor franchise, especially with rumors swirling that a fifth film is in development. Waititi wasted no time in revealing his directorial status.
“I wouldn’t know if that’s accurate,” Waititi said. “I know that I won’t be involved.”
Waititi went on to say that he would be looking “to concentrate on these other films that I’ve signed on for,” a strong sign that Waititi’s time with the MCU may be done. Up next for the director is 2023’s Next Goal Wins, but Waititi does still have a ton in the works, including a Star Wars film, as well as a film based on the iconic manga Akira.
The Thor franchise as a whole has been a bit of an up and down franchise for Marvel Studios. After a successful debut film, the second Thor film, Thor: The Dark World, was seen as a bit too serious and lacking in depth, and Waititi stepped in to helm the next film. That sequel, Thor: Ragnarok, was released to massive praise, and is often seen as one of the best films in the entire MCU by fans.
The fourth film, Thor: Love and Thunder, was a box office success, drawing in $760 million worldwide. However, fans and critics were mixed on the film, with many praising its action sequences and performances, but criticizing the amount of humor and levity in a story that was otherwise very serious.