Taika Waititi: Net Worth, Age, Height & Everything You Need To Know
Summary
- Taika Waititi’s net worth soared to $13 million, thanks in part to his directorial work on Thor: Ragnarok and Jojo Rabbit.
- The filmmaker, with Māori heritage, advocates for Indigenous cultures, showcasing his unique blend of humor and emotion in his projects.
- Born Taika David Cohen, he uses different surnames for different aspects of his life, reflecting his exploration of identity in his films.
Taika Waititi’s net worth has increased significantly following his contributions to the MCU. Waititi, a celebrated New Zealand filmmaker, actor, and comedian, stands out in the entertainment industry for his distinctive approach to filmmaking and storytelling. His career has been marked by a series of critically acclaimed projects, from the cult favorite What We Do in the Shadows to major blockbusters like Thor: Ragnarok. Waititi’s work often showcases a unique blend of humor, whimsy, and emotional depth, earning him an Academy Award for his screenplay in Jojo Rabbit.
While there has been some Taika Waititi backlash, the director is a strong advocate for Indigenous cultures. He frequently highlights Māori heritage in his movies and initiates a Welcome to Country ritual before every film shoot (via Screen Australia). Waititi’s personal life, including his marriage to singer Rita Ora, also captures public attention, blending his professional and private worlds in a way that fascinates fans. Waititi continues to influence the global film landscape, resonating with a broad audience and affirming his role as a cultural ambassador in the arts, which has helped him accrue a significant net worth.
Every Taika Waititi Movie Ranked
Taika Waititi has plenty of exciting projects under his belt, but general opinions are mixed regarding which of his comedic adventures is the best
Taika Waititi’s Net Worth
The Jojo Rabbit Director Is Worth $13 Million
Waititi’s net worth is around $13 million (via Celebrity Net Worth). This fortune has been accrued through a multifaceted career spanning film directing, acting, screenwriting, and occasionally dipping into commercial advertising. Waititi’s directorial venture into the Marvel Universe with Thor: Ragnarok significantly boosted his profile and earning potential, marking a pivotal turn in his career from indie films to blockbuster productions. While none of Waititi’s salaries have been disclosed, his pay for his first MCU movie was likely substantial, as Waititi revealed that he only made Thor: Ragnarok for the money. The filmmaker explained:
“You know what, I had no interest in doing one of those films. It wasn’t on my plan for my career as an auteur. But I was poor and I’d just had a second child. I thought, ‘You know what, this would be a great opportunity to feed these children.’ They called and said ‘do you want to do this?’ And
Thor
– let’s face it, was probably [Marvel’s] least popular franchise. I never read
Thor
comics when I was a kid. I did some research on it and I read one full comic, all 18 pages or however long they are. I was still baffled by this character.”
Subsequent projects, including Thor: Love and Thunder and Jojo Rabbit, have increased his marketability and directorial fees. Given that his Thor movies made a combined $1.6 billion (via The Numbers) and Jojo Rabbit earned him an Academy Award, the filmmaker can demand a higher salary. Moreover, his involvement in major animated films has contributed to his financial portfolio. His dual roles in the movies he directs, such as playing Korg in the Thor: Love & Thunder cast, also bolsters his salaries.
Taika Waititi has voiced characters in
Rick and Morty, The Mandalorian, Lightyear,
and
What If?…
Taika Waititi’s 10 Best Characters, Ranked By Likability
Taika Waititi’s unique blend of comedy and sincerity always makes for loveable and entertaining characters who leave a lasting impression on fans.
Taika Waititi’s Age & Height
The Thor: Ragnarok Director Was Born On August 16, 1975
Born on August 16, 1975, in Wellington, New Zealand, Taika Waititi is 48 years old as of 2024. His zodiac sign is Leo, often associated with characteristics such as creativity, passion, and generosity, traits that are vividly reflected in his professional endeavors, such as advocating for Indigenous cultures. Regarding physical stature, Waititi stands at approximately 6 feet (184 centimeters) tall (via Celebheights.com). His tall frame and charismatic presence have made him a distinctive figure both behind and in front of the camera, complementing his dynamic personality and artistic flair.
10 Best Comedy Movies Taika Waititi Has Starred In, According To IMDb
Aside from being a blockbuster director and screenwriter, Taika Waititi has also starred in a number of gut-busting comedy movies.
Taika Waititi Isn’t The Filmmaker’s Birth Name
The Filmmaker Oscillates Between Using Waititi & Cohen
While he is universally known as Taika Waititi, it is less commonly known that he was born Taika David Cohen. “Waititi” is his father’s surname, while “Cohen” comes from his mother’s side of the family. Taika has publicly shared that he oscillates between using Waititi and Cohen as his last name depending on personal and professional contexts. This fluidity in his identity extends into his films, where he frequently explores themes of belonging and culture, making his works profoundly personal yet universally relatable. He commented (via Noted):
“I’ve used both names throughout my life, for different things. ‘Cohen’ has always been what I’ve used for my acting, writing and the stuff to do with theatre … and ‘Waititi’ is what I’ve used for my art, painting and photography. For all the visual arts stuff, as opposed to all the performing …”
Source: Noted, Celebheights.com, Screen Australia, The Numbers, Celebrity Net Worth
