At the BFI London Film Festival, Tessa Thompson, known for her role in Thor: Love and Thunder and The Marvels, shared insights about her career, emphasizing the distinctiveness of Taika Waititi’s filmmaking style. Thompson, who first joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2017 with Thor: Ragnarok, praised the director’s childlike creativity, describing it as a key element of his approach.
Although Valkyrie is now the King of Asgard, her future appearances remain uncertain, especially after plans to reveal her relationship with Carol Danvers in the Captain Marvel sequel were reportedly cut during editing. Despite this, Thompson remains engaged with her MCU role and keen on exploring her character further.
Taika Waititi’s Creative Process Characterized as Playful Yet Unpredictable
During her interview, Thompson described Taika Waititi as
“a huge infant, just, he’s like an infant with a bank account,”
highlighting his youthful and imaginative way of directing and writing. She called this trait “terrifying” and joked that “he should be stopped,” underscoring how his unconventional style influences the productions he leads.
Besides Waititi, Thompson also spoke warmly of her co-star Chris Hemsworth, labeling him
“a baby with muscles, a very big infant”
who exhibits no hesitation when experimenting on set.
“He will just do anything you know, to get the laugh and to discover, so it’s a pleasure to work with him,”
she added, emphasizing the playful energy that shapes their dynamic.
The Importance of Imagination and Play in MCU Productions
Thompson acknowledged the goofy nature of making superhero movies, stating,
“It’s so goofy making those movies sometimes.”
She explained that these films demand “a place of pure imagination,” requiring actors to approach their roles with a childlike sense of playfulness. This mindset, according to her, frees performers to explore and express themselves without restraint.
Her desire to be part of an MCU film stemmed from wanting to test her limits creatively.
“I really wanted to make a movie like that, because I’m not sure I can do that, and I really want to figure out if I can. And it was just so fun. It really, really freed me up,”
Thompson stated, confirming that the experience was both challenging and liberating.
Mixed Reception of Thor: Love and Thunder and Creative Liberties
Taika Waititi revitalized the Thor franchise with Ragnarok, which generated excitement and acclaim. However, its follow-up, Thor: Love and Thunder, met with largely mixed reactions from fans and critics alike, with some new and returning characters feeling underdeveloped. Waititi, seemingly given broad creative freedom, largely dismissed the negative feedback, while Chris Hemsworth addressed shortcomings candidly.
Reflecting on his performance, Hemsworth admitted,
“I got caught up in the improv and the wackiness, and I became a parody of myself. I didn’t stick the landing.”
This acknowledgment highlights the film’s shift toward an exaggerated comedic tone, which divided audiences and critics.
The comedic excess was exemplified by Russell Crowe’s role as Zeus, which many considered an underutilization of the actor’s talents in what some have called one of the MCU’s most questionable casting outcomes.
Box Office Performance and Expectations for Valkyrie’s Future
Despite mixed reviews, Thor: Love and Thunder grossed $760.9 million worldwide, trailing behind Ragnarok’s $865 million but still performing well given the challenges of the post-pandemic box office environment. Thompson’s Valkyrie remained a notable element amid the film’s reception, leaving fans curious about her future storylines.
As the MCU continues to expand, questions linger regarding the direction of Valkyrie’s character and how Taika Waititi’s distinctive style will influence upcoming projects. The combination of imaginative freedom and the actors’ playful approach remains a hallmark, but its impact on narrative coherence and character development continues to provoke debate.
