With production now gearing up for the start of filming in early July, "Thor: Ragnarok" director Taika Waititi is about to fully enter the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Waititi -- a comedian and director from New Zealand most known in the U.S. for his work on "Flight of the Conchords" and the vampire mockumentary "What We Do In The Shadows" -- might seem like an odd fit for Marvel's most epic franchise, but in a recent chat with The Verge, Waititi revealed that his partnership with Marvel is going epically well.

"It hasn't been that different," said Waititi when asked about the freedom he has on "Thor" as compared to his previous features. "So far it's been good! I've been more organized, which is saying something, for a guy like me to be organized. I'm surrounded by really intelligent, amazing people. I've got access to great minds and great resources. So I'm at a real advantage. In terms of the studio thing, these people don't act like a studio. They're cool, smart storytellers. I've been enjoying hanging out with them. And I've made commercials, so I've worked with the worst people in the world. Nothing could be more restrictive than working with people in advertising."

He also commented on just how much of his specific voice and sense of humor will be present in "Thor: Ragnarok." "Yes, it will [sound like me]. Until it doesn't," said Waititi, with a laugh. "I don't know, I can only hope. I've got to bring as much of myself as I can to this, and then see how it goes. You obviously need people overseeing the bigger picture, the next five movies or whatever. Otherwise we'd all be left to our own devices, and God knows what would happen."

Directed by Waititi, "Thor: Ragnarok" stars franchise veterans Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Tom Hiddleston as Loki, Idris Elba as Heimdall and Anthony Hopkins as Odin. They're joined by Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/the Hulk, Cate Blanchett as Hela, Jeff Goldblum as the Grandmaster, Tessa Thompson as Valkyrie and Karl Urban as Skurge.

"Thor: Ragnarok" opens November 3, 2017.