Thor: Ragnarok Director Talks About the Transition from Indie to Marvel Films

Tiras Buck

27 Jun 2016

Director Taika Waititi is gearing up to film the third chapter in Thor’s fantasy-heavy, cinematic space-opera as production for THOR: RAGNAROK commences on July 4th at Australia’s Gold Coast. THOR: RAGNAROK director Waititi, known for smaller, comical, independent films like Eagle vs Shark, What We Do in the Shadows, and Hunt for the Wilderpeople, might not seem like the ideal choice to work in Marvel’s rich cinematic tapestry including densely packed, big-budget vistas, thematically linked narratives, and eye-bludgeoning special effects.

On the subject of making the leap from smaller, independent projects to Marvel films, Waititi recently spoke with our friends at The Verge and granted us a little insight on working with Marvel, the substantial, creative transition, and any differences between low-budget character studies and big-budget blockbusters.

“It hasn’t been that different. So far it’s been good! I’ve been more organized, which is saying something, for a guy like me to be organized. I’m surrounded by really intelligent, amazing people. I’ve got access to great minds and great resources. So I’m at a real advantage. In terms of the studio thing, these people don’t act like a studio. They’re cool, smart storytellers. I’ve been enjoying hanging out with them. And I’ve made commercials, so I’ve worked with the worst people in the world. Nothing could be more restrictive than working with people in advertising.”

Waititi was asked if THOR: RAGNAROK will maintain the feel of his previous works and allow his unique, creative stamp to resonate regardless of the “blockbuster” nature of RAGNAROK.

“Yes, it will. Until it doesn’t. [Laughs] I don’t know, I can only hope. I’ve got to bring as much of myself as I can to this, and then see how it goes. You obviously need people overseeing the bigger picture, the next five movies or whatever. Otherwise we’d all be left to our own devices, and God knows what would happen.”

And how important is it to have complete creative control over a film like THOR: RAGNAROK?

“I don’t think it’s as important with someone else’s source material, with someone else’s stuff. I didn’t invent Thor, so I don’t feel a passionate need to have creative control over him. I wonder how Stan Lee feels about me doing a Thor film? [Laughs]”

What do you think? Is Thor in capable hands?