Taika Waititi has disclosed that he had no interest in directing Thor: Ragnarok. However, he took the opportunity for financial motives.
He made this revelation during an appearance on the SmartLess podcast this week. He told hosts Will Arnett, Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes about the reason he took the job directing the third Thor film.
“I had no interest in doing one of those films,” Waititi said. “It wasn’t on my plan for my career as an auteur. But I was poor and I’d just had a second child, and I thought, ‘You know what, this would be a great opportunity to feed these children.’”
Taika Waititi is a New Zealand filmmaker who is known for his quirky, humorous, and heartwarming films.
He has directed a number of critically acclaimed movies, including Jojo Rabbit, Thor: Ragnarok, and Hunt for the Wilderpeople.
Here are his top 10 directed movies according to Rotten Tomatoes:
1. Jojo Rabbit (2019) – 80%
Jojo Rabbit is a satirical comedy-drama film about a young boy in Nazi Germany who has an imaginary friend who is Adolf Hitler. The film was praised for its performances, Waititi’s direction, and its handling of sensitive subject matter.
2. Thor: Ragnarok (2017) – 93%
Thor: Ragnarok is a superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character Thor. The film was praised for its humor, action, and visual effects.
3. Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016) – 97%
Hunt for the Wilderpeople is a comedy-drama film about a boy and his foster father who go on the run in the New Zealand wilderness. The film was praised for its performances, Waititi’s direction, and its heartwarming story.
4. What We Do in the Shadows (2014) – 96%
What We Do in the Shadows is a mockumentary about a group of vampires who live together in Wellington, New Zealand. The film was praised for its wit, originality, and performances.
5. Eagle vs Shark (2007) – 92%
Eagle vs Shark is a black comedy film about two awkward teenagers who become friends and rivals. The film was praised for its quirky comedy and its performances.
6. Boy (2010) – 88%
Boy is a coming-of-age film about a young boy who lives in East Coast New Zealand. The film was praised for its performances, Waititi’s direction, and its story about family and friendship.
7. Thor: Love and Thunder (2022) – 68%
Thor: Love and Thunder is a superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character Thor. The film was praised for its humor, action, and performances, but it was also criticized for its uneven tone and its lack of focus.
8. Jojo Rabbit (2019) – 6 Oscar wins
Jojo Rabbit won a total of six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Actress for Roman Griffin Davis.
9. Thor: Ragnarok (2017) – 1 BAFTA Award
Thor: Ragnarok won a BAFTA Award for Best Special Visual Effects.
10. Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016) – 10 international film awards
Hunt for the Wilderpeople won a total of 10 international film awards, including the Sundance Film Festival Audience Award and the Directors Guild of America Award for Best Director in a Feature Film.
These are just a few of Taika Waititi’s many great films. He is a versatile and talented filmmaker who is sure to continue making great movies in the years to come.
