Popcorn With Peter Travers Season 10 Episode 80 Star Chris Hemsworth and Director Taika Waititi on Changing Up the Formula for 'Thor: Ragnarok'

In this episode of Popcorn with Peter Travers, the host sits down with actor Chris Hemsworth and director Taika Waititi to discuss their latest film, Thor: Ragnarok. Hemsworth and Waititi speak candidly about their decision to change up the formula for the third Thor installment, creating a more comedic and off-beat film compared to the previous two films in the franchise.

Travers begins the interview by discussing the new direction of the film, noting that it feels more like a buddy comedy than a traditional superhero film. Hemsworth and Waititi agree, with Hemsworth stating that they wanted to make sure to inject some humor and levity into the film. Waititi adds that he wanted to bring his signature brand of humor to the Marvel universe, while still maintaining the epic and dramatic elements that fans have come to expect from a Thor film.

The conversation then turns to the new characters introduced in the film, including Tessa Thompson's Valkyrie and Jeff Goldblum's Grandmaster. Hemsworth praises Thompson's performance, calling her "a force to be reckoned with," and Waititi notes that Goldblum's character was inspired by the actor himself. They also discuss the challenges of incorporating the Hulk into the story, and the dynamic between Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo on set.

Travers then brings up the soundtrack of the film, which features an '80s-inspired score by composer Mark Mothersbaugh. Hemsworth and Waititi both express their love for the music, with Waititi joking that he wanted the film to feel like "if Flash Gordon had sex with *The NeverEnding Story*."

The interview ends with Travers asking Hemsworth and Waititi about their future in the Marvel universe. Hemsworth coyly teases that there are "a lot of interesting conversations" happening behind the scenes, but doesn't give any specifics. Waititi, on the other hand, says that he's "very comfortable with this being the last time" he directs a Marvel film, but adds that he would love to work with Hemsworth again in the future.

Overall, the episode gives fans an in-depth look at the making of Thor: Ragnarok and the creative decisions that went into the film's development. Hemsworth and Waititi's chemistry and humor make for an entertaining and informative interview, and the discussion will likely leave fans even more excited to see the latest installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.