In Seeming Dig At Taika Waititi, ‘Thor’ Star Chris Hemsworth Says He Refuses To Work With Any More “Mad Genius” Directors
Spencer Baculi
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In an apparent but plausibly deniable dig against Thor: Ragnarok and Thor: Love and Thunder director Taika Waititi, franchise star Chris Hemsworth has said that not only will he no longer work with any “mad genius” directors, but that he is also only interested in returning as the God of Thunder if “there is something unique and fresh and unexpected to do with the character and the world.”
Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is shocked to find Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) wielding Mjolnir in Thor: Love and Thunder (2022), Marvel Entertainment via Blu-ray
If there’s anyone who has been privy to the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s tendency to ruin its characters in service of cheap laughs, it’s Thor quadrilogy star Chris Hemsworth,
Thor (Chris Hemsworth) harnesses the power of a star to forge Stormbreaker in Avengers: Infinity War (2018), Marvel Entertainment via Blu-ray
From retreading the exact same “I must find myself” plot line across nearly every one of his appearances to being demoted from the royal prince of a powerful kingdom to a walking, occasional hammer swinging laughing stock, Hemsworth’s Thor has truly embodied the studio’s post-Infinity War inability to treat its characters with any semblance of respect or care.
Given this bastardization of what was once presented as one of the MCU’s most dedicated heroes, it comes as no surprise that the actor has recently found himself becoming more discerning the selection of his roles.
Thor (Chris Hemsworth) discovers he should have gone for the head in Avengers: Infinity War (2018), Marvel Entertainment via Blu-Ray
Speaking with Vanity Fair in the wake of the discovery that, as revealed in the fifth episode of his Disney Plus series Limitless, he is genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s Disease, Hemsworth was asked by outlet writer Anthony Breznican if “these experiences focused on longevity change the way you plan your own future?”, to which the actor confirmed, “One hundred percent”.
Thor (Chris Hemsworth) split kicks a pair of Booskan speeders in Thor: Love and Thunder (2022), Marvel Entertainment via Blu-ray
“I’m just at the point of my life where I’m meeting with different directors and [people say] ‘Oh yeah, look, he’s a mad genius,’ said Hemsworth
“He’s mad, but he’s a genius and he’ll make great films.” I’m like, “Is that who I want to spend my days with?” Four months, five months of shooting and then you’ve got press and possible reshoots and so on.”
Thor (Chris Hemsworth) looks on as Gorr (Christian Bale) seeks redemption in Thor: Love and Thunder (2022), Marvel Entertainment via Blu-ray
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Though Hemsworth did not name any names, given the director’s reputation for caring more about subverting expectations than delivering a coherent story, his active disregard for quality control of his own films, it’s presumed that the actor’s new project vetting process was borne from his experience working with the aforementioned Waititi.
Thor (Chris Hemsworth) has a chat with Stormbreaker in Thor: Love and Thunder (2022), Marvel Entertainment via Blu-ray
This theory is further supported by the fact that of the directors to most recently work with Hemsworth, Waititi is by far and wide the most eccentric of the group – one would be hard-pressed to find anyone who would earnestly describe well-regarded creatives like Drew Goddard (The Cabin in the Woods, Bad Times at the El Royale), F. Gary Gray (The Italian Job, Men in Black: International) and Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick, Spiderhead) as ‘mad’.
Thor (Chris Hemsworth) talks with Korg (Taika Waititi) about the mysterious return of Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) in Thor: Love and Thunder (2022), Marvel Entertainment via Blu-ray
To this end, Hemsworth told Breznican, “Now, if something’s going to pull me away from my family and my kids, it’s got to be a positive, constructive, collaborative experience.”
“I shot with George Miller on the new prequel to Fury Road [Furiosa], part of the Mad Max saga,” he recalled, “and I said to my agent said, ‘That’s where I want to spend my work hours; with someone who is kind and collaborative and interesting.'”
Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is elated to see a familiar face in Sakaar’s colosseum in Thor: Ragnarok (2017), Marvel Entertainment via Blu-ray
On the topic of Miller specifically, Hemsworth asserted that while he certainly was “a genius,” he was “not the mad type.”
“[Miller is a director who] is very aware of how his energy affects others, and how he has the power to make your day fantastic or shitty, and chooses for it to be a positive experience,” explained the actor. “The whole crew, everyone is in a better mood. It baffles me that some people in that position don’t understand that.”
Thor (Chris Hemsworth) tries to play it cool while talking to Star-Lord (Chris Pratt) in Thor: Love and Thunder (2022), Marvel Entertainment via Blu-Ray
As would be expected of any interview with a Marvel star, the conversation eventually turned to his future in the MCU.
Met with an inquiry of “Is there more Thor in your future?” from Breznican, Hemsworth admitted, “I don’t know. I think there’d be more to say if the people want to hear me say it.”
Thor (Chris Hemsworth) arrives to the Battle of Wakanda in Avengers: Infinity War (2018), Marvel Entertainment via Blu-ray
“They always [tease more at the end of their moves],” said the actor. ” Look, I’m completely open to it, if there is something unique and fresh and unexpected to do with the character and the world.”
“I’ve always loved the experience,” he added. “I’ve been very thankful I’ve been able to do something different each time.”
Thor (Chris Hemsworth) dreams of a life that could have been in Thor: Love and Thunder (2022), Marvel Entertainment via Blu-ray
Speculating as to what a future outing could hold for the Odinson, Hemsworth opined, “I feel like we’d probably have to close the book if I ever did it again, you know what I mean?”
“I feel like it probably warrants that,” he continued. “I feel like it’d probably be the finale, but that’s not based on anything anyone’s told me or any sort of plans.”
Thor (Chris Hemsworth) has an awkward talk with Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) about Mjolnir in Thor: Love and Thunder (2022), Marvel Entertainment via Blu-ray
” You have this birth of a hero, the journey of a hero, then the death of a hero, and I don’t know—am I at that stage?” Hemsworth concluded. “Who knows?”
Thor (Chris Hemsworth) turns to a dying Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) as Gorr (Christian Bale) prepares to ask Eternity for a wish in Thor: Love and Thunder (2022), Marvel Entertainment via Blu-ray
NEXT: Chris Hemsworth Claims Marvel Studios Enthusiasm For Him Returning To Thor Is Waning
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