Current:Home > MyTaika Waititi says he directed 'Thor' because he was 'poor' with 2 kids: 'I had no interest' -ValueCore
Taika Waititi says he directed 'Thor' because he was 'poor' with 2 kids: 'I had no interest'
View
Date:2025-04-12 15:35:28
Taika Waititi's Marvel Cinematic Universe's directorial debut with "Thor: Ragnarok" was more about money than passion, according to the director.
Waititi, 48, appeared on Monday's episode of the "SmartLess" podcast with co-hosts Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes and Will Arnett where he discussed his climb from an independent filmmaker in New Zealand to Hollywood success by directing the Chris Hemsworth-led "Thor" franchise.
"I had no interest in doing one of those films. It wasn't on my plan for my career as an auteur," he revealed. "But I was poor and I'd just had a second child. I thought, 'You know what, this would be a great opportunity to feed these children.'"
Waititi and his ex-wife Chelsea Winstanley share daughters Te Hinekāhu, 11, and Matewa Kiritapu, 7. The couple divorced in 2018. Since then, the "Next Goal Wins" director married British singer Rita Ora in 2022.
The New Zealand-born actor-filmmaker recalled being asked to direct the third "Thor" movie on the "Smartless" podcast, which he said "was probably (Marvel's) least popular franchise" at the time.
"I never read 'Thor' comics when I was a kid. I did some research on it and I read one full comic, all 18 pages or however long they are. I was still baffled by this character," Waititi added.
In addition to "Thor: Ragnarok," Waititi went on to also direct "Thor: Love and Thunder." Both films debuted at No. 1 at the box office with record-breaking sales at opening of $121 million and $143 million.
Despite the success of both films, Waititi told Business Insider earlier this month that he "won't be involved" with the next "Thor" film if Marvel continues the franchise.
'Next Goal Wins':From soccer infamy to Xbox 'therapy,' what's real and what's not in Taika Waititi's comedy
"I'm going to concentrate on these other films that I've signed on for," he said, noting that he's booked for the next six years. "But I love Marvel, I love working with them. I love Chris."
Waititi jokingly added that he "would never feel like (Marvel is) cheating on me" if a fifth "Thor" movie proceeded with another director. "We're in an open relationship, and it's like if they want to see other people, I'm happy for that. I'd still get back into bed with them one day."
Rita Ora calls out 'ridiculous' rumorshe's in throuple with Taika Waititi, Tessa Thompson
veryGood! (99)
Related
- Whoopi Goldberg is delightfully vile as Miss Hannigan in ‘Annie’ stage return
- 10-year-old Texas boy tells investigators he killed man 2 years ago. He can't be charged with the crime.
- Top Chef Alum Eric Adjepong Reveals the One Kitchen Item That Pays for Itself
- When is Earth Day 2024? Why we celebrate the day that's all about environmental awareness
- Tarte Shape Tape Concealer Sells Once Every 4 Seconds: Get 50% Off Before It's Gone
- Qschaincoin Review
- See the Spice Girls reunite for performance at Victoria Beckham's 50th birthday party
- Powerball winning numbers for April 20 drawing: Lottery jackpot rises to $98 million
- Meta donates $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund
- Rep. Tom Cole says the reservoir of goodwill is enormous for House Speaker amid effort to oust him
Ranking
- Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
- Inflation defined: What is it, what causes it, and what is hyperinflation?
- Rep. Tom Cole says the reservoir of goodwill is enormous for House Speaker amid effort to oust him
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Cuts in Front
- Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
- No Black WNBA players have a signature shoe. Here's why that's a gigantic problem.
- Protect Your QSCHAINCOIN Account With Security & Data Privacy Best Practices
- USMNT defender Sergiño Dest injures knee, status in doubt for Copa América
Recommendation
Don't let hackers fool you with a 'scam
Singer Renée Fleming unveils healing powers of music in new book, Music and Mind
RFK Jr.'s quest to get on the presidential ballot in all 50 states
'Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare' fact check: Did they really kill all those Nazis?
Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
Debi Mazar tells Drew Barrymore about turning down 'Wedding Singer' role: 'I regret it'
Bringing back the woolly mammoth to roam Earth again. Is it even possible? | The Excerpt
Tesla cuts the price of its “Full Self Driving” system by a third to $8,000