Thor: Ragnarok Director Defends Casting Tessa Thompson As Valkyrie!

No Comments
Taika Waititi defends Tessa Thompson casting for Valkyrie role in Thor: Ragnarok!

A couple of days ago, Creed star Tessa Thompson confirmed that she has started filming her parts for Thor: Ragnarok. In the November 3, 2017 release, she will be portraying the Asgardian superhero Valkyrie. But there are many fans who aren't happy with her casting, but not because she replaced Natalie Portman's Jane Foster as the Odinson's new love interest!

Valkyrie is a relatively popular Marvel Comics character, who has not only served as a supporting character to Thor, but also has been member of superhero teams like The Defenders and Secret Avengers. But in the comic books, the character is depicted as a white female with blonde hair.

So, Marvel Studios' decision to cast Tessa Thompson for the role in Thor: Ragnarok has made a lot of fans upset, as Tilda Swinton’s recent casting as The Ancient One in Doctor Strange did.

But, Taika Waititi doesn't think there’s anything wrong with picking Tessa to portray Valkyrie in his movie. In a recent interview with Comic Book Resources, the director explains why the 32-year-old actress is the right choice for the role in Thor: Ragnarok.

According to the Kiwi director, they wanted to "diversify the cast" right from the very outset. He jokingly says that it's difficult to do that when someone is working with Vikings!

He says that they wanted to be "more inclusive" and offer "a broader representation", for which they had to look at the source material as "a very loose inspiration". He adds:

And then take it from there and go with your gut. Say, "You know what? None of that stuff matters. Just because the character was blonde and white in the comic book. That doesn't matter. That's not what [that character] is about. People forget that. Die-hard fans will say, "That's not really authentic to the comics." But as soon as they watch the movie, and they're involved in the story, and actually what's happening, everybody forgets.

The Thor: Ragnarok director claims that Tessa Thompson was the best fit for Valkyrie among all the actresses they had auditioned!

The Thor: Ragnarok director claims that Tessa Thompson was the best fit for Valkyrie among all the actresses they had auditioned! (Photo Credit – Alchetron)

According to the Thor: Ragnarok director, the fact that such conversation keeps coming up again and again is "ridiculous" because "we keep forgetting". He further adds:

Unless it's the topic of the film, it just shouldn't even be "” what do we even care? I think the story is king, and you want the best person for the job. And Tessa tested against "” we cast a very broad net, and Tess was the best person.

During the interview, Taika Waititi is also asked about pitching Thor: Ragnarok to big names like Karl Urban, Cate Blanchett, and Jeff Goldblum.

In his response, the director claims that superhero movies are no longer regarded as "really ridiculous, cartoony things" and taking on a superhero movie role is not a "career-ending move" for an actor these days.

Taika says that due to Marvel’s excellent reputation, and the "very high quality" of the movies they make, numerous actors are willing to be part of the universe. And since these actors share with him a common desire for telling "good stories", they are working together in Thor: Ragnarok today!

Do you agree with Taika Waititi about his decision to cast Tessa Thompson as Valkyrie in Thor: Ragnarok? Do let us know your opinion via comments!

Previous Post
Zoe Saldana talks about the relationship between Nebula and Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2!
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 – Gamora and Nebula Have a Volatile Relationship!
Next Post
Director says Thor: Ragnarok will be the most different Marvel movie till date!
Thor: Ragnarok – The Most Unique Marvel Movie To Date!
Menu

Log In

Forgot password?

Forgot password?

Enter your account data and we will send you a link to reset your password.

Your password reset link appears to be invalid or expired.

Log in

Privacy Policy

Add to Collection

No Collections

Here you'll find all collections you've created before.

We use cookies to give you the best online experience. By agreeing you accept the use of cookies in accordance with our cookie policy.

Privacy Settings saved!
Privacy Settings

When you visit any web site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Control your personal Cookie Services here.

These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems.

In order to use this website we use the following technically required cookies
  • wordpress_test_cookie
  • wordpress_logged_in_
  • wordpress_sec

We use Google Tag Manager to monitor our traffic and to help us AB test new features.

Decline all Services
Accept all Services