Director Elizabeth Banks has revealed that she had pitched her idea for Marvel Studios’ Thor: Ragnarok to the studio. Banks, who has recently transitioned from acting to directing, spoke with Variety about her directing style, explaining that she wants to bring her sensibility to things and can’t do someone else’s vision.
No One Returned Elizabeth Banks’ Call
Elizabeth Banks has a history with the comic book movie genre. While she’s not as interested in joining major franchises like the MCU, she saw Thor: Ragnarok as an exception. When asked about her pitch for Thor: Ragnarok, Banks said that she believes “a call was made,” but nothing happened. Instead, the job went to Taika Waititi, which she felt was the right decision.
“No one called me [back]. Taika Waititi got the job. Rightfully so.”
Recently, Banks spoke with Variety during the press tour for her latest film, Cocaine Bear, and revealed that she had thrown her name into the running to direct Marvel Studios’ Thor: Ragnarok. Banks’ directing style is centered around bringing her sensibility to a project, as she stated, “I can’t do someone else’s vision.”
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Banks was drawn to the opportunity to work on Thor: Ragnarok because of the comedic aspect of the character, and Chris Hemsworth’s ability to make fun of himself. The director also revealed that she had previously pitched for a Catwoman movie. Although she acknowledged that the pitch might not fit the current mandate, she remained open to the possibility of working on it in the future.
“I had a pitch for a Catwoman movie a while ago, but I don’t think it’ll fit into the mandate right now. But maybe someday.”
The MCU has a long history, and many ideas and pitches have been either left on the cutting room floor or overlooked entirely. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon! Despite being rejected after pitching her ideas for Thor: Ragnarok, Banks made it clear that she has no hard feelings.
The Director Has No Regrets
Banks understands that the right person is selected for the right job at the right time, and Taika Waititi’s direction was the perfect choice for the Thor franchise. The director is not actively seeking to join the comic-book movie world at the moment, but she has experience with it as an actress, having played Betty Brandt in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy.
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Elizabeth Banks’ story highlights the competitive nature of the comic book movie world and how many ideas and pitches are left on the cutting room floor. However, despite her rejection of Thor: Ragnarok, Banks has no hard feelings and is focused on developing her unique voice in her movies. While she may not be actively seeking to join the comic book movie world, she has experience with it and is open to the business if the opportunity arises.
