Summary
After the first twoThorinstallments failed to truly establish a style of their own, Marvel Studiosopted to bring in Taika Waititito helm Thor: Ragnarok. The third installment of the franchise helped to give theThorfranchise a much-needed do over, and even saw a bump at the box office, resulting in the studio bringing the director back for the fourth film. Unfortunately,Thor: Love & Thunderseemed to turn Thor into a joke. Thankfully, Marvel Studios looks ready to try and give the Thor franchise another go withThor 5, and one director has already expressed interest: George Miller.
The legendary director teamed up with Thor himself, Chris Hemsworth, onFuriosa, and teased potentially being interested in directingThor 5during press for the film. However, while there is no denying a George Miller directedThor 5would make for a visually stunning action film about the Norse God, it seems unlikely. Unless Miller and Marvel Studios could find a way to work together to give the director creative control.
Marvel Studios is Known for running a Tight Ship
As exciting as it would be to see Miller helm a Marvel Studios film, it’s important to note that Marvel Studios does run a tight ship. While the studio has gotten better at giving directors more freedom, as seen withThor: Ragnarok, there’s always going to be a restriction of sorts. This, of course, is due to thesestories still existing within an interconnected universethanks to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With an overarching story, there isn’t exactly room for writers and directors to do whatever they please. We’ve seen talent board projects, only to leave later on due to creative differences. One perfect example is Patty Jenkins, who was originally set to directThor: The Dark World, only to leave because she and Marvel couldn’t come to terms creatively on the project. Jenkins would later be replaced by Alan Taylor, who has famously detailed his experience on the film, having at one point said he lost his will to direct following the Marvel Studios film.
While some directors are fine with working with a studio such as Marvel, there have also been directors who have openly spoken against the studio. When it came to finding a director forBlack Widow, it took quite a time for Marvel to find the right fit for the project with director Cate Shortland. Following the release of the film, director Lucrecia Martel spoke out about having been in the running and expressing frustration with the film and the process. It’s hard to believe that if Marvel Studios is unable to appease most directors, that it would be able to actually interest someone of Miller’s caliber to helm a film for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Miller Would Need Complete Creative Control
Miller is easily one of the most visually stunning directors who is able to focus both on story and aesthetics. WhileMad Max: Fury RoadandFuriosaare two of his most recent films, both of which have been hailed by critics as masterpieces, there’s no denying Miller’s excellent back catalog, too. Miller has dabbled outside theMad Maxfranchise, too. FromHappy FeettoBabe: Pig in the City, Miller has always been one to make surprising decisions in his projects. However, while those are very much studio films, the director wasn’t necessarily forced to adhere to strict story structure and visual guidelines within those projects. Miller’s best work is when he’s able to focus his craft and deliver a story he’s passionate about. It’s hard to imagine the director willingly boarding a project likeThor 5, especially with the franchise having such a mixed critical reaction thus far. Miller would have to carry the weight of the franchise on his shoulders to try and deliver a standout project that Marvel Studios would also approve. Without complete creative control, it seems unlikely the director would actually seek out proper discussions with Marvel.
This, of course, isn’t to say Miller wouldn’t be a great director on a Marvel movie - especiallyThor 5. Miller is a proven director who knows how to properly balance storytelling and visual craft. He doesn’t include big explosions and CGI simply for the sake of including it. He uses visual aides to help with storytelling. One thing theThorfranchise definitely needs is a director that knows how to use visual hues within storytelling. TheThorfilms, outside ofThor: Ragnarok, haven’t had a clear visual direction and the storytelling has often been a problem. Especially with Thor: The Dark World andThor: Love & Thunder. Witha fifthThormovie in the works, Marvel is going to need to take the time to find the right director. Whether it be Miller or someone else.
For now, while fans await further news onThor 5, they can enjoyHemsworth’s turn as a villain inFuriosa. Or they can rewatch the first fourThorfilms now on Disney+.
