Because he was “poor” at the time, Taika Waititi claims he directed “Thor: Ragnarok.”

Taika Waititi, the Oscar-winning filmmaker, recently opened up about his decision to join the Marvel Universe with “Thor: Ragnarok” in 2017. Speaking on the “Smartless” podcast, he revealed that despite the massive popularity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he initially had no inclination towards directing a film in this franchise. His motivation changed as he faced financial constraints, especially after the birth of his second child. Waititi humorously mentioned that he saw this as an opportunity to support his family, despite sensing some initial resistance from Marvel fans.

Waititi’s venture into the Marvel Universe with “Ragnarok” proved to be a massive success, turning it into one of the most popular entries in the “Thor” series. The film grossed over $800 million globally. The “Thor” franchise, starring Chris Hemsworth, includes four films, starting with the 2011 debut, followed by “Thor: Dark World” in 2013, “Thor: Ragnarok” in 2017, and the latest, “Thor: Love and Thunder” in 2022, with Waititi returning as director.

Apart from his Marvel projects, Waititi is renowned for his work in films like “What We Do in the Shadows” (2014) and “Hunt for the Wilderpeople” (2016). He is also celebrated for his role in directing and starring in the 2020 film “Jojo Rabbit,” which earned him an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay.