- There are reports that Marvel is developing another "Thor" movie — without Taika Waititi.
- Waititi tells Business Insider that if a fifth "Thor" movie is being made, he won't be involved.
We may have seen the last of Taika Waititi's involvement in Marvel's "Thor" franchise.
Rumors have been swirling online for the past month that Marvel Studios is developing a fifth "Thor" movie, but that Waititi, who directed the last two chapters in the blockbuster series, is not involved.
Business Insider spoke to Waititi on Monday while he was doing press for his new movie, "Next Goal Wins," out Friday, and asked him directly.
"I wouldn't know if that's accurate," Waititi tells BI. "I know that I won't be involved."
"I'm going to concentrate on these other films that I've signed on for," he adds.
The writer-director notes that he's currently working on a big-screen adaptation of Alejandro Jodorowsky's graphic novel "The Incal," and is continuing to develop his highly-anticipated "Star Wars" movie.
"It's still marinating. I've been writing it," he says of the "Star Wars" project.
But before making those, Waititi says he plans for "Klara and the Sun," based on the acclaimed novel by Kazuo Ishiguro, to be his next movie.
The story follows Klara, a robot designed to prevent loneliness among teenagers, who tries to save a group of humans she lives with from heartbreak.
"So that's six, seven years gone," Waititi says. "I'd imagine another 'Thor' would be a lot sooner than that."
"But I love Marvel, I love working with them. I love Chris," he adds, referring to "Thor" leading man, Chris Hemsworth.
Waititi was the savior of the "Thor" franchise when he signed on to make 2017's "Thor: Ragnarok," as its off-beat humor and strong storyline made it the highest-grossing release in the "Thor" series. It earned over $855 million worldwide.
Waititi then directed 2022's "Thor: Love and Thunder," which, despite the return of Natalie Portman's Jane Foster to the franchise, and Christian Bale as villain Gorr, didn't resonate with audiences or critics in the same way as "Ragnarok." The movie took in over $760 million worldwide.
Waititi says he has no ill feelings toward Marvel if the studio wants to make another "Thor" movie without him.
"I would never feel like they are cheating on me," the Oscar winner says with a laugh. "We're in an open relationship, and it's like if they want to see other people, I'm happy for that. I'd still get back into bed with them one day."