The Marvel Cinematic Universe is seriously on a roll. Every single blockbuster in Phase Three has been both a critical and financial success, with Avengers: Infinity War currently breaking records and cleaning up at the box office. What the studio has done best was have a focused shared narrative, while also allowing individual directors to put a unique spin on their respective properties. Case in point: Thor: Ragnarok. Director Taika Waititi came into the threeuel and put the franchise on its head, allowing actor Chris Hemsworth to rely on his comedic abilities. It turns out that Waititi still can't believe what he got away with for the blockbuster, especially some of the more bizarre comedic beats. As he tells it,
There are jokes in there that have no business being in that movie. But Kevin Feige just said, yeah, more of that stuff. It was very strange what they were encouraging me to do.
Thor: Ragnarok's sensibility and tone was pretty bonkers, and you could see how Taika Waititi's sense of humor was injected into the blockbuster. It's got weirdness galore, which adds to the threequel's appeal. And it's all because Marvel president Kevin Feige let the director have free reign.
Taika Waititi's comments to THR show how much Marvel allowed the director to make liberal changes to the Thor franchise. He essentially wiped the franchise clean, killing off the supporting characters and destroying Asgard altogether. Taking Thor onto Sakaar allowed for new and colorful characters to enter the narrative, and make room for Bruce Banner to have a supporting role. It's all categorically unlike the previous two installments, which is why Ragnarok is the undisputed favorite of the franchise.
As far as the comedic beats, there are too many in Ragnarok to even try and guess which ones Taika Waititi is referring to. Perhaps the most obvious choice is Waititi's character, Korg. The Australian accented rock alien chewed the scenery in every scene he appeared in, and was a constant reminder to not take the threequel too seriously.
For a reminder of the awesomeness of Korg, check out his highlights below.
Yeah, I'm going to assume some of those jokes are the ones Taika Waititi is referencing. He ultimately got to put his spin on a superhero movie, and fans are really hoping he and Chris Hemsworth might reunite or another installment. Of course, it all depends on Thor's fate in Avengers 4.
Thor: Ragnarok is available for home purchase, and Avengers: Infinity War is in theaters now. In the meantime, check out our 2018 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.
