Thor: Ragnarok and Hunt for the Wilderpeople director Taika Waititi is returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) to direct the fourth instalment in Marvel Studios’ Thor series.
The filmmaker through his idiosyncratic style brought a fresh energy to the Thor films led by Chris Hemsworth with his entry Thor: Ragnarok. Taika has sealed the deal to write and helm a follow-up to the 2017 hit.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Chris is expected to reprise his role as the god of thunder from Asgard.
Taika coming back for Marvel's Thor 4 means Akira, Warner Bros long-gestating adaptation of the Japanese manga which he was attached to direct, will have to wait. Akira is now being put on hold indefinitely as the production dates of the two projects began clashing with each other. As per sources, Warners' still wants Taika involved with the project and hopes to get him on board Akira after he is done with Thor 4.
Chris Hemsworth’s Thor is a fan favourite and a highlight of the Avengers films, but his first two solo outiings, 2011’s Thor and 2013’s Thor: The Dark World, were critically and commercially underwhelming. HoweverThor: Ragnarok, the third entry, was a huge success and is considered not only the best of the Thor series but also one of the best MCU films.
Chris himself had confessed that he felt revitalised after Ragnarok and wanted to continue playing Thor, unlike his fellow original Avengers Captain America (Chris Evans) and Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr) who have effectively retired from the MCU. Thor will be the first MCU character to get a fourth film.
Disney has not slated a release date for Thor 4, but is set to make a huge announcement at the San Diego Comic Con this weekend. The titles for Marvel Studios’ next string of releases a.k.a MCU Phase 4 are expected to be revealed.
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)