Marvel films tend to be a mixed bag for the creatives that write and direct them. They offer an easy paycheck, name recognition, and a guaranteed box office smash. But there’s also strict creative oversight, and many directors have left projects after seeing their vision suppressed by the higher-ups. One man, however, has managed to use a Marvel film as a way to let his voice sing.
Taika David Cohen was born in New Zealand to an artist of Te Whānau-ā-Apanui descent and a Jewish schoolteacher. He originally took his mother’s last name, but decided to go by his father’s after releasing his first short film. You might better know him as writer, director, and actor Taiki Waititi.
Many were introduced to Waititi via 2014’s cult hit What We Do in the Shadows, a New Zealand-based mockumentary about a group of dissatisfied vampires living together.
Worldwide, it made just over $7 million. But since, it has launched not one, but two spinoffs, including the Emmy Award-nominated show of the same name (both of which Waititi produces).
Eventually, his work caught the attention of Marvel, who has increasingly looked to Indie directors to expand their universe.
As a writer and director, Waititi is passionate about combining light-hearted comedy with real, emotional drama. And while the previous entries in the Thor franchise had plenty of drama, the light-hearted comedy wasn’t quite there.
Which is why many were surprised when he was chosen to helm the third film of the Thor franchise. Until that point, Thor films could be described as dark, brooding, and frankly, kind of dull. For example, here’s a screenshot of the second Thor film.
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Waititi managed to do something almost impossible. In Thor: Ragnarok he continued the Marvel narrative, but he did so in a way that was vivid and bright, embracing his Maori and New Zealand culture. Just look at the difference.
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Waititi’s bold, new style was a hit. Thor: Ragnarok grossed over $800 million dollars, and is currently the 4th best reviewed Marvel film of all time on Rotten Tomatoes.
Why did Marvel take a chance on Waititi? Why did they let him infuse so much of his personality where other directors were stifled? In an Interview Magazine feature, Waititi offered a glimpse into his success.
While his New Zealand heritage absolutely defines the way he tells stories, he was able to gain the trust of Marvel by showing his versatility. He’s since grown that versatility with acclaimed shows such as Our Flag Means Death and Reservation Dogs.
By expressing his voice in so many different ways, he’s proven that there’s no “niche” he can’t fit in—or adapt to.
Taika Waititi is a star, someone who can drive a blockbuster franchise. But it’s not because his style is fit for blockbusters. He let the blockbusters fit him.
Jeff GoodSmith Writes Here 