‘Thor: Love and Thunder‘ ends with the message that the God of Thunder will be back but director Taika Waititi recently told Insider that he wasn’t aware the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) had added the title card at the end of the film. 

However, the New Zealand-born director said he would be willing to return to helm his third Thor film as long as Chris Hemsworth was back in the role of the Asgardian. 

Waititi’s ‘Ragnarok’ was a hit but his second outing has been much more divisive, earning a B+ CinemaScore grade. Currently, it remains to be seen if Marvel plans to bring back Thor in a standalone film or in an Avengers-style team-up. 

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“That was a surprise to me, too. I’m not joking” said the 46-year-old, adding “I saw it in the theater and I was like, ‘Oh, shit. Really?’ Even Chris was like, ‘What?’ But, of course he’ll be back. He’s the best character. I mean, I may be a little biased, but he’s the most fun to watch.” 

Waititi continued, “Now, I don’t know what would be next. I would definitely do one, but only if Chris did it. But it would need to be something surprising and unexpected for me to want to do it. Like what would be the new take? The battles and all the fighting is fine, but I would want something that feels unexpected when it comes to the story. Like making just a $5 million movie with no fighting at all, just Thor on a road trip. Like ‘Nebraska.'” 

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‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ sets up a possible continuation, with the Asgardian taking Love, Gorr the God Butcher’s daughter, under his wing as we see the duo fighting the good fight for those that don’t fight good, as Korg says. Meanwhile, Zeus seems to be bent on revenge, tasking Hercules to teach the God of Thunder a lesson. 

For now, Waititi is taking a break from Marvel films and will direct a ‘Star Wars’ movie next for Disney and Lucasfilm.