This article contains spoilers for Thor: Love and Thunder
Taika Waititi is reputable for his unusual take on movies that would have otherwise come off as forgettable or a one-time watch. His ability to make any narrative — depressing or drowsy — worthy of being hailed as an artistic masterpiece stops, however, at Jojo Rabbit and What We Do In The Shadows.
Also read: ‘Can’t Wait To See Hercules Against Thor’: Internet Wants Thor: Love and Thunder‘s Newest Addition Hercules To Show Who’s Boss in Thor 5
The roadblock is encountered when the director steps into a world already established, loved, adored, and worshipped by billions and changes it with the stroke of a pen. His most recent work involving the MCU Norse god, Thor Odinson is one example of how some visionary approaches are best left at the door because fan responses are what matter once one enters the arena of Marvel.
The Critical Reception of Thor: Love and Thunder
For starters, there was a lot to unpack in the movie, Thor: Love and Thunder. Thor’s straying from the path of somber and formidable to jokey and quirky was a vast shift that screamed of defiance of the comics as well as fan expectations. Gorr’s storyline too was changed from the comic origin. Instead of losing his son Ajax in the trek across the barren landscape, he loses his daughter, Love, and then resurrects her (highly likely as either Captain Universe or Eternity!)
Chris Hemsworth as Thor in Thor: Love and Thunder
Although other aspects of the movie stayed true to the comics, such as Jane Foster’s cancer and her transformation into Mighty Thor, the overall comedic undertone of the movie did not sit well with the audience who are used to seeing menace and vengeance. The only daunting performance was delivered by Christian Bale during the short time he had to enthrall his audience.
Also read: Gorr the God Butcher: From Comics to Thor: Love and Thunder
Taika Waititi Speaks of His Visions For Thor 5
While talking to the Insider, Taika Waititi speaks of the adventure that was Thor: Love and Thunder. His visions for the movie paid off although at this point, it seems he stands alone at the gates of Marvel cinema to defend his film against the hoard of movie-goers. He talks of inclusivity (which to his credit is truly appreciably note-worthy in the movie), Russell Crowe’s Greek accent, deleted scenes featuring Lena Headey, Peter Dinklage, Jeff Goldblum, and finally, the plans for Thor 5.
However, his plans stem from the fact that the “Thor Will Return” message at the end of the movie was a surprise to both him and Chris Hemsworth during the premiere. Waititi says if he has to make another Thor movie, it would simply be about the God of Thunder on a road trip, like “Nebraska”. As usual, Twitter is preparing itself against the blasphemy of Thor 5 in the hands of Taika Waititi.
Taika Waititi has definitely lowered fan expectations with his saga of Thor Odinson and his space adventure but with Thor 4, he is running the risk of forever marking the reign of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Hollywood with an irreversible blow. Kevin Feige’s master plan of steering the MCU toward a glorious epic may have to start showing some results sooner rather than later since fans are finding themselves one frayed nerve away from screaming Bloody Mary.
Thor: Love and Thunder now playing in theatres worldwide.
Source: Insider
