Taika Waititi took his career in a new direction with last year's Thor: Ragnarok, a splendid film that blended his distinctive humor, creativity and directing style with the action and visuals we've come to expect from Marvel Studios. Now, Waititi is preparing for his next film, Jojo Rabbit, which he will both direct and star in alongside the Black Widow herself, Scarlett Johannson!
Jojo Rabbit is set during World War II and will focus on the Holocaust. Johansson will play the mother of a boy serving in Hitler's army, who learns that his mother is hiding a Jewish boy in their home. Johansson's on-screen child will face a variety of struggles, from peer bullying to a rough relationship with her (his mother).
In response to this new predicament and his own loneliness, the boy creates an imaginary friend, portrayed by Taika Waititi himself, that is a mixture of his own father and the Adolf Hitler that was depicted in Nazi propaganda. This imaginary friend will help guide the boy through the trials and tribulations of childhood and since he's a figment of the young boy's imagination, he will also have a goofy and charming quality to him that the real-life dictator lacked.
This film will serve as a change of tone for both Waititi and Johansson and provide the two with some sensitive subject matter to work with. Waititi will attempt to add some humor and wit to an otherwise dark story, aiming to depict Hitler in a more humorous and whimsical manner while not offending the audience. Doing so will be a challenge, but if there is any director that can craft a narrative of hope and comfort during one of the darkest and most horrific moments in human history, it's Taika Waititi.
And who knows, if Johansson has as great a time working on a film with Waititi as other actors seemingly have with him, perhaps she will be interested in having the New Zealand director helm her upcoming Black Widow movie. Or perhaps a team-up with Johansson's Black Widow and Waititi's Korg will be possible in a future Marvel film...
Are you interested in seeing Johansson team up with Waititi in this film? Be sure to let us know your thoughts below!