Taika Waititi Isn’t Going to Be the New Dad to the Guardians of the Galaxy

Clearly, Taika Waititi knows what he’s doing when it comes to Marvel. Thor: Ragnarok ended up being one of the greatest MCU movies to date, and a lot of that has to do with Waititi. He brought his unique style and voice to Thor in a way that made the character relatable and quirky rather than the gruff “bro” type that he was before.

Waititi’s take on Marvel and the MCU as a whole is fresh, fun, and something we’d all like to see in more of our MCU movies. (Or at least I’d love that.) So, right now, there’s a lot of talk about what Taika Waititi will do next in the franchise.

Let’s start with the rumors that Taika Waititi could take over the Guardians of the Galaxy movies: He’s not. In his own words, Waititi pointed out why it would be weird for him to direct Vol. 3:

“Going into something like that, which has got his stamp all over it, would feel like going into someone’s house and going, ‘Hey, I’m your new dad …’ It feels kind of awkward.”

Everyone is continuing to die on the James Gunn hill, but it’s time to move on. He made terrible jokes, got fired, and now no one wants to direct Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3—no matter how many times Chris Pratt promises people that it’s going to get made—including Waititi. So, why not let him have his pick of the MCU litter?

He’s made it clear that he’s good at what he does. Thor: Ragnarok brought a new life to Thor as a character, one that Chris Hemsworth is ready to explore more of. So why not let Waititi take on more Thor movies? Or if you want him to take on a different aspect of the MCU, you’re getting ready to own the X-Men there, Marvel, and if anyone can get the tone of the X-Men, it’s Taika.

I think it’s annoying that the Guardians of the Galaxy movies are dying because no one wants to touch what James Gunn created, and yes, I appreciate the support of someone else’s art, but if Gunn weren’t a white man, would y’all be fighting as hard? Gunn is fine; he’s off making a new Suicide Squad movie, apparently. Don’t let this ragtag crew of characters die because Disney won’t rehire James Gunn. (Or maybe they will rehire him if they continue to struggle with finding a director.)

So yes, give Taika Waititi all the Marvel movies he wants. He understands how to make these characters fun and personable while still remaining true to their origins, but also, please go out there and find someone to give me more Rocket Raccoon? I don’t want to watch my favorite character get the short end of the stick all because no one wants to touch what James Gunn built.

(image: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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