If Elizabeth Banks had her way, Thor: Ragnarok might have been a different movie. The actress-slash-director had a pitch for the Chris Hemsworth film, but Marvel Studios never got back to her.
Thor: Ragnarok was the third installment in the Thor franchise, and many consider it the best. Directed by Taika Waititi, the film turned the Thor franchise into an unforgettable action-comedy movie. Though the series started as a Shakespearean drama, many considered it one of the lesser Marvel Studios franchises. When Waititi signed on, he decided to amp up the comedy and created a beautiful, colorful world for Thor to explore.
Banks was promoting her new film, Cocaine Bear, when she revealed to Variety that she had spoken to Marvel Studios about directing Thor: Ragnarok. Explaining that she can only bring her own "sensibility to things," Banks said she had an idea for Thor because “That character being funny and knowing how good Chris is at making fun of himself, that’s my vibe.” However, despite a "call being made," nothing ever became of the project, and Banks said Waititi "rightfully" got the project.
Banks was also asked if she's reached out to James Gunn concerning his DC slate, which prompted the actress to laugh. Though she has no plans to get in touch with the DC Studios co-CEO, Banks revealed that she does have an idea for a DC project. “I had a pitch for a Catwoman movie a while ago," Banks said. "But I don’t think it’ll fit into the mandate right now. But maybe someday.”
Banks' new film, Cocaine Bear, appears to be a truly unique opportunity for the filmmaker. The story is just what it sounds like: a bear, hooked on cocaine, is set to go on a wild, violent bender. Not only is Cocaine Bear partially based on a true story, but it's also been making buzz since its announcement, thanks to its absurd (albeit unique) plotline.
Banks' willingness to take on the horror-comedy genre shows how adventurous she is as a filmmaker. Without knowing what her pitch for Thor: Ragnarok was, it's near-certain that her take on Thor would have been full of comedy, much like Waititi's. Perhaps one day Banks can expound on what she wanted to do with the character so that fans can glimpse a road not traveled.
Thor: Ragnarok is now available on Disney Plus.
Source: Variety
