Taika Waititi, the renowned director behind blockbuster films like ‘Thor: Love and Thunder,’ has dropped a bombshell, hinting at a potential exit from the film industry. In a recent interview, Waititi revealed a growing disinterest in Hollywood, citing a desire to embrace a simpler life, particularly one spent on the beach. His upcoming film, ‘Next Goal Wins,’ slated for release on November 17, marks his return to the director’s chair.
During the interview, Waititi shared insights into his evolving perspective, mentioning how a recent sojourn in Europe fueled his yearning for a beach-centric lifestyle. “Now and then I’ll think about ideas I might want to do. And then very quickly, I get very tired just thinking about them and I fall asleep or find anything else in the world to do that’s not a job,” he confessed. “This summer I was in Europe, enjoying the sun, back on beaches. It’s all I want to do for the rest of my life. Go to the beach.”
The acclaimed director also drew parallels between his own revelations and the lessons learned by the protagonist in ‘Next Goal Wins,’ emphasising that life encompasses more than just work. “Just like Michael’s character learning there’s more to life than football — there’s more to life than film. There’s more to life than being in the entertainment industry. You think it’s going to be so cool — what a great life it’s going to be in show business. Hollywood is just sad people eating lukewarm food out of cardboard boxes in offices with windows looking on other offices,” Waititi mused.
Known for his directorial prowess in the ‘Thor’ films, Waititi’s statement has raised eyebrows and sparked speculation about his future in the film industry. ‘Next Goal Wins’ focuses on the compelling narrative of the 2011 American Samoa men’s soccer team as they grapple with the aftermath of a devastating 31-0 loss against Australia, attempting to qualify for the FIFA World Cup. Whether this signals a temporary hiatus or a permanent departure from Hollywood remains uncertain, but it adds a new layer of intrigue to the imminent release of his latest cinematic venture.