What better way to follow-up a massively successful superhero film than do an anti-war satire, making fun of Adolph Hitler? That’s exactly what filmmaker Taika Waititi is doing. After the success of last year’s “Thor: Ragnarok,” the writer-director is back at it with his next film, “Jojo Rabbit.”
Recently, Fox Searchlight announced that Waititi’s “Jojo Rabbit” had begun production in Prague, Czech Republic. And to celebrate the end of week one, the director took to Twitter to share our first look at the film, in the most Taika Waititi way possible.
Waititi tweeted, “Week one down of our anti-fuckface satire, Jojo Rabbit. Can’t wait to share it with the world. Also, what better way to insult Hitler than having him portrayed by a Polynesian Jew?” And of course, the tweet wouldn’t be complete without the hashtag “#FuckYouShitler.”
The tweet is accompanied by a picture of the director, who stars in the film as a young boy’s imaginary Hitler, flipping off a painting of the notorious former Nazi leader. More specifically, “Jojo Rabbit” tells the story of a young German boy, who is raised by his single mother and befriends his imaginary version of Hitler, played by Waititi. Along with Waititi, the film stars Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, Rebel Wilson, Thomasin McKenzie, and Roman Griffin.
Many people from the crews of previous Waititi films, like ‘Ragnarok’ and “Hunt for the Wilderpeople,” are returning for “Jojo Rabbit.” However, there’s one new name, as Mihai Mălaimare Jr. is the cinematographer. He previously has worked on films for Francis Ford Coppola and Paul Thomas Anderson.
The director also spoke recently about the film, and why it excites him. “I’m stoked to begin shooting my anti-war satire. We’ve assembled an incredible cast and I couldn’t be more excited to finally ridicule Nazis and their beliefs. This film is going to piss off a lot of racists and that makes me very happy,” said Waititi.
Here’s the synopsis for the film:
In JOJO RABBIT, writer-director Taika Waititi (THOR: RAGNAROK, HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE), brings his signature style of humor and pathos to a World War II satire. The story follows an awkward young German boy (Roman Griffin) raised by a single mother (Scarlett Johansson), and whose only ally is his imaginary friend Hitler (Waititi). His naïve patriotism is tested when he meets a young girl (Thomasin McKenzie) who upends his worldviews, forcing him to face his biggest fears.
Week one down of our anti-fuckface satire, Jojo Rabbit. Can't wait to share it with the world. Also, what better way to insult Hitler than having him portrayed by a Polynesian Jew?
🖕 #FuckYouShitler @jojorabbitmovie @foxsearchlight pic.twitter.com/bNZ2YlDgaF— Taika Waititi (@TaikaWaititi) June 1, 2018
