Taika Waititi is partnering with Disney once again for a fresh creative endeavor, three years after the controversial release of Thor: Love and Thunder. The filmmaker, who redefined the God of Thunder with his 2017 hit Thor: Ragnarok, is now directing Best Christmas Ever, a holiday short scheduled for release on Disney+ and the studio’s social channels on November 10, 2025. This new project marks a return to a more heartfelt tone, highlighting Waititi’s renewed collaboration with Disney.
Following the modest reception of his 2023 sports comedy Next Goal Wins, Waititi is embracing a warmer story. The trailer reveals a festive tale about a child who finds a magical new friend during Christmas, featuring a young girl in pajamas beside a decorated tree, set against a snowy backdrop. The short’s narrative centers around a torn-open letter to Santa that sparks the child’s joyful encounter with the mysterious figure.
Box Office and Critical Response to Thor: Love and Thunder
Though Thor: Love and Thunder generated $760.9 million globally, it did not replicate the success of Thor: Ragnarok, which earned $855 million worldwide. Its $94 million deficit marked a significant drop. Critically, the film struggled with a 63% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it the lowest-rated Thor film to date, even below Thor: The Dark World. Many viewers expressed concern that the humor had crossed into self-parody, fueling uncertainty about Waititi’s involvement in a potential Thor 5.
Post-Marvel Ventures and Projects in Development
Since his latest Marvel work, Waititi’s career path has been varied but uncertain. His announced Star Wars film remains stalled in development with little movement since 2020. Meanwhile, he has taken on several other significant projects. Waititi is directing Klara and the Sun, a film adaptation starring Jenna Ortega and Amy Adams, filmed in New Zealand during early 2024, though no release date has been announced by Sony Pictures.
Additionally, he is attached to Universal’s adaptation of Percival Everett’s novel James, a reinterpretation of the Huckleberry Finn story told from Jim’s perspective. This film has Steven Spielberg as an executive producer. Waititi has also joined forces with longtime collaborator Drew Pearce to direct a new Judge Dredd movie, signaling his continued interest in diverse storytelling.
Best Christmas Ever as a New Creative Direction
Best Christmas Ever represents a shift toward a more intimate, sincere story for Waititi, contrasting with the grander scale of his prior feature films. This holiday short allows him to deliver a heartwarming narrative on a smaller canvas as he regains creative momentum after the mixed reception of Thor: Love and Thunder.
“This marks a new chapter for me, a chance to tell a simple, heartfelt story that connects with audiences in a more personal way.” – Taika Waititi, Director
Future of the Thor Franchise: Is Taika Waititi Returning?
The question of whether Waititi will direct Thor 5 remains one of the MCU’s most debated topics. Chris Hemsworth is confirmed to appear in upcoming films Avengers: Doomsday and likely Secret Wars, opening the door for Thor 5 to serve as a possible farewell to the character. Marvel has four untitled movie slots in 2028, one of which could be dedicated to a new Thor chapter.
Valkyrie star Tessa Thompson has expressed her desire for a more grounded approach in her next Marvel appearance, implying a tonal adjustment for the franchise ahead. While Waititi’s vibrant, irreverent style helped redefine the character, Marvel might consider a filmmaker more focused on the mythological and emotional dimensions for his concluding story.
Building on the post-credits hint from Love and Thunder, Thor 5 could explore the character’s impending confrontation with Hercules, portrayed by Brett Goldstein. This narrative direction might offer a mature conclusion, though it carries risks, given the mixed response to the previous installment’s style.
Anticipation Surrounding Marvel Cinematic Universe Stories
Fans and critics alike remain watchful of future MCU developments as they look forward to how the upcoming Thor storylines and other Marvel projects unfold. With the evolving creative teams and shifting tones, the MCU continues to balance excitement with cautious uncertainty about its direction.
