Marvel Australia confirms: That’s why the director won’t return for “Thor 5” after fan criticism

Taika Waititi was responsible for the last two “Thor” films. However, he will not return for the fifth installment, as he has now confirmed.

In the book “Marvel’s Thor 4: Love and Thunder Movie Special Book,” filmmaker Taika Waititi expressed optimism about his future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and another “Thor” film. There is still much room for development for the character of the Thunder God, portrayed by Australian actor Chris Hemsworth, and particularly great potential for a future villain:

“I don’t think we can have a villain weaker than Hela (Odin’s firstborn daughter in ‘Thor: Ragnarok,’ Ed. note). I feel like we need to step it up and add a villain who is somehow more terrifying.”

His optimism was not unfounded: The New Zealand filmmaker had transformed the franchise, which, until the third film, was dismissed by many as half-baked and uninspired despite some interesting characters, into one of the strongest series within the MCU with “Thor: Ragnarok,” which grossed $855 million worldwide, over $200 million more than “Thor: The Dark World.” However, Hollywood insider Daniel Richtman recently revealed that while “Thor 5” is in development, Waititi is not involved.

In an interview with Business Insider, the 48-year-old filmmaker now confirmed the news of his departure during a press tour for his new film “Next Goal Wins” starring Michael Fassbender:

“I know I’m not [involved]. I’ll be concentrating on these other films that I’ve signed up for.”

And there are quite a few projects: In addition to the film adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel “Klara and the Sun” about an android named Klara designed to alleviate loneliness, Waititi is also working on the series “Interior Chinatown” and “Time Bandits,” as well as the horror film “Tower of Terror” with Scarlett Johansson, the sci-fi film “The Incal,” and an untitled “Star Wars” project, which he is currently writing:

“So, that’s six, seven years. I could imagine another ‘Thor’ film coming out much sooner. But I love Marvel, I love working with them. I love Chris [Hemsworth].”

If you also love Marvel, you might be interested in what awaits you in MCU Phases 5 and 6.

What about a return of Taika Waititi to the MCU? The fact that Taika Waititi is no longer working on “Thor 5” could be a consequence of the disappointing performance of “Thor: Love and Thunder” among fans. Although it earned less at $760 million than its direct predecessor, it still moved in financially satisfactory territories. Nevertheless, “Thor 5” will now happen entirely without his involvement, and Waititi will not be writing the script either.

Whether there will be another “Thor” film beyond this may be a question that Disney and Marvel Studios officials will need to discuss, especially in light of the recent disappointing opening of “The Marvels.” Despite everything, Waititi is open to further cooperation in the future:

“We have an open relationship. And if they want to meet with other people, that’s fine with me. I would still get into bed with them someday.”

“Loki” Season 2 is currently causing a sensation on Disney+.

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