Taika Waititi Admits Fatigue with Superhero Films, Focuses on Smaller Projects
Taika Waititi
Taika Waititi/Getty
Taika Waititi has confessed to feeling fatigued by working on big-budget superhero films in Hollywood. The acclaimed director, known for his work on the Thor franchise, discussed his thoughts on superhero fatigue during the Los Angeles premiere of his latest movie, Next Goal Wins. Waititi explained that he found solace in smaller projects like Next Goal Wins, and revealed that his next film would also be on a smaller scale.
In response to concerns about audience fatigue with superhero content, Waititi expressed his belief that there would always be a place for these films and that they serve as inspiration. As a child, he loved going to see big movies set in outer space as a way of escaping reality. Despite his current fatigue, he hopes that superhero films will continue to offer that escapism to audiences.
Taika Waititi’s Focus on Next Goal Wins
While Waititi takes a break from the superhero world, his focus is currently on promoting his new film, Next Goal Wins. The movie tells the story of the American Samoa soccer team, notorious for their poor performance, and their transformation under the guidance of coach Thomas Rongen, played by Michael Fassbender. Waititi expressed his desire to see more Pacific Islanders and indigenous people on screen, highlighting Hollywood’s need for greater diversity in storytelling.
Waititi’s films often center around underdog stories, as he believes that audiences are more captivated by stories of change and growth rather than constant success. He explained that casting Fassbender as the coach was a result of the script resonating with him on an emotional level.
Fassbender, who attended the premiere, expressed his admiration for Waititi and his enchantment with the real-life story that inspired Next Goal Wins. The film also features Jaiyah Saelua, the first transgender football player to compete in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match. Saelua, portrayed by Samoan actor Kaimana, expressed gratitude for the movie’s representation of trans realities, despite some concerns about aspects of her storyline.
Next Goal Wins, a celebration of diversity and underdog triumph, is set to hit theaters this Friday.
Tiffany Taylor contributed to this report.