Taika Waititi, the Oscar-winning genius behind 'Jojo Rabbit' and 'Thor: Ragnarok' will direct a new Star Wars film.
This is not the first time that the boy from Raukōkore will be part of the intergalactic franchise. Having starred in, and directed the season finale of 'The Mandolarian', the Walt Disney Co. waited until May Fourth, to announce his next project.
Waititi, who wrote himself into the Marvel universe, has been on the Star Wars scanners for a long time. After revitalising the Thor film series, LucasFilm president Kathleen Kennedy tweeted her interest in him directing a Star Wars film for her.
Taika replied with his signature sense of humour.
I'd be fired within a week.
— Taika Waititi (@TaikaWaititi) September 6, 2017
Waititi tweeted this just after the director of the LucasFilm bomb Solo walked off the set, causing a re-shoot of about 70% of the film. However it would seem that LucasFilm addressed his rebuffs and are ready to have him co-write and direct the new film. Hopefully the Whānau-ā-Apanui native will be able to work with the controversial LucasFilm president and see the project through to the end.
The creative kingpin joins the likes of Temuera Morrison, Rena Owen and Daniel Logan who played Star Wars characters in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones. While the roles played by these actors were minor at the time, they have become crucial characters in later productions.
Temuera Morrison (left) as Jango Fett, Rena Owen (long necked alien) as Taun We, Daniel Logan as Boba Fett and Ewen MacGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi. Source / YouTube.
Waititi is known for inserting himself into the stories he creates. The most iconic include Elamein in Boy, Hitler in Jojo Rabbit and the alien Korg in Thor: Ragnarok. His use of Kiwiana and Aotearoa related 'easter eggs' in his films mean that fans down under will be chomping at the bit to know what Waititi will hide in this upcoming film.
As Waititi is yet to start co-writing the film it is not known where it will be filmed or what it will be about. But if his previous movies are any indication, look out for a spaceship named after a Holden car model.
Or you may do well watching out for an alien or droid rocking a Māori accent, with a lightsabre or blaster rifle in hand.
