Taika Waititi Returns For Thor 4, But There's A Huge Catch - Report

As Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to come more into focus, it looks as though Chris Hemsworth isn't leaving the franchise anytime soon. It's being reported that a follow-up to Thor: Ragnarok is happening, with Taika Waititi returning to direct the film.

The news comes from The Hollywood Reporter, which claims a deal has been signed by Waititi to write and direct the film. It also notes that Hemsworth, the longtime Thor star, is "expected" to return for the movie.

However, the report includes bad news about another of Waititi's upcoming projects. His live-action adaptation of the Akira manga has been delayed by what's being called "development concerns."

Waititi's first involvement with Akira was first revealed in 2017, though the film has seemingly come no closer to being made since then. In April 2018, Waititi said he didn't intend to remake the film version of Akira, but instead stick to adapting the manga. "A lot of the people freaking out haven't even read the books, and there are six gigantic books to go through. It's so rich," he said in an interview at the time. "But Akira is one of my favorite films. My mum took me to see it when I was 13 and it changed my life."

As for another Thor movie, it will be interesting to see which characters are showcased. After Avengers: Endgame, Thor has headed off into space with the Guardians of the Galaxy, while his fellow Asgardians--along with Korg and Miek--remain on Earth in New Asgard.

While Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will almost certainly set Thor on whatever course he's going to be on for another standalone movie, here's hoping they find a way to work Korg, Miek, and Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson) into the equation once again. A release date for Thor 4 has not been revealed at this point.