Thor: Ragnarok demonstrated that any character could be revitalized entirely with the right director and creative vision. Taika Watiti has taken the MCU series in a completely new direction and Thor: Love & Thunder will continue that trend, adding to the quirky, over-the-top, colorful, and comic book-fuelled style.
Thor won't be the only character from the comics or big screen that could benefit from Taika Waititi's overhaul though. His interesting combination of emotional storytelling with cheesy humor can definitely match the tone of other heroes and villains and it's plausible that Marvel gives him another sandbox to play in down the line.
The Runaways
The Runaways was actually relatively well-received as a comic book adaptation, despite the fact that it went largely unnoticed by a huge range of Marvel fans. It was a great coming-of-age narrative with some interesting character arcs and visual choices that propelled the show's look.
However, Taika Waititi is well known for dealing with stories with young protagonists. If the team known as the Runaways were to return to the Marvel Universe, Waititi would be able to balance those important teen narratives, while elevating the look and feel of the group further. He'd capitalize well on their strange origin stories and bizarre powers, from the dinosaur Old Lace to their villainous heritage.
Luke Cage
Luke Cage made a huge impact during the Netflix days of Marvel and while there are plenty of characters that should be brought over from the series to the MCU, there are arguably none more important than Cage himself. With Disney+ seemingly reviving the Defenders saga, Cage could be in for a reinvention.
There's a feel and tone that the classic Cage comics played into, that was reflected somewhat in the TV show. With Cage now in charge of his own club, Taika Waititi might be able to have his own gritty moment, but still infused with the humor that the character and the director are known for. It's an unexpected combination but one that could be brilliant.
Squirrel Girl
Squirrel Girl is one of the most bizarre characters that has appeared in Marvel Comics and the perfect kind of figure for Taika Waititi to take on. In fact, while other directors might shy away from a character like this, Waititi would have a definitive plan that didn't remove any of the comic book elements the character is known for.
Despite the comedic elements, there is always genuine heart to be found in any Squirrel Girl narrative. It's often a difficult balance for a writer to find with the character, without straying into territory that ridicules the character. Waititi could tow that line in the way he has for the God of Thunder while demonstrating she is undefeatable.
Wonder Man
Wonder Man has had a number of different portrayals on the page. Some of them have been gritty and serious, while others have played into his ridiculous career combination of being a celebrity superhero and actor. It's the latter version Taika Waititi could get on board with.
He loves meta storytelling and could bring an intriguing edge to Wonder Man, as a washed-up star trying to find his way back to showbiz once again, perhaps throughout his superhero career. Waititi's writing could match this kind of arc so well, ensuring that the silly elements of the character aren't lost, alongside the arrogance.
The Hulk
World War Hulk might be the narrative the MCU is hinting toward but there's a lot more that can be done with the Hulk character that Marvel hasn't been able to achieve, because of the rights issues in place. If a solo film was on the horizon, Taika Waititi might be the man to take it on.
Hulk needs a makeover and the director has already added to the character well. Waititi is great at forcing change and evolution within a hero, which is what Hulk needs right now, but the ridiculous nature of his Gamma-powered ensemble from the comics could also make a strong impact under Waititi's vision.
Emma Frost
Emma Frost might be an unexpected character, but the MCU is going to have to move toward bringing Mutants into the mix and Frost is one of the most underrated of the group. Taika Waititi is great at taking lesser-known heroes to the mainstream audience and propelling them to new levels.
Waititi has also demonstrated his ability to allow strong female characters to really excel. What's more, he could tackle the duality of the figure. Emma Frost's anti-hero persona and links to the Hellfire Club and the X-Men would definitely be a storytelling opportunity that could intrigue him. Her range of powers also offers a range of visual concepts to explore.
Ghost Rider
Ghost Rider has been tackled in so many ways. Cosmic Ghost Rider might be the variation of the character that could match Taika Waititi's storytelling the most, but the iteration already seen in the MCU, Robbie Reyes, offers up the kinds of intriguing opportunities the director is looking for.
What We Do In The Shadows is a great demonstration of what the writer can do in the horror genre, playing into the retro feel of the medium and combining cheesy horror with genuinely scary moments. It's the kind of tone that the Ghost Rider could really benefit from to take the figure in a unique direction; something a little fresher.
Young Avengers
Much like groups like the Runaways, the Young Avengers contain all the building blocks of the kinds of stories that Taika Waititi loves to tell. He's also great with an ensemble and with so many personalities to tackle, he'd definitely ensure that each character had their chance to shine.
The Young Avengers are a quirkier team than most, but despite some of their bizarre adventures, there's an emotional grounding to their relationships that Waititi would be able to understand. Because of the range of heroes, there's also a variety of genres to play into and Waititi has always managed to genre-hop.
Hercules
It's almost natural for Taika Waititi to be the director to take on Hercules. After all, the character's origin is clearly being set up in Thor: Love & Thunder, considering the introduction of Olympus and the Greek Pantheon. Plus Thor and Hercules share plenty of similarities.
Waititi would have to find a way to differentiate the character from the God of Thunder, but as a fan of the mythology that inspired these narratives in the first place, Marvel fans would be safe in the knowledge that some of the strangest legends of Heracles wouldn't be overlooked.
Venom
Venom has already had two different visionaries try to make the character work, to mixed success. The big-screen iterations of the character are certainly out there, with the new rendition leaning into the comedy tone of the 2000s superhero movies so many people grew up with.
With that pitch in mind, Taika Waititi could really run with the concept and deliver on the strangeness of the pairing of the Symbiote and Eddie Brock. He can achieve scale, which could be required for a villain like Knull, but bring some levity to proceedings as well.