THE EMPIRE CLASSIC SCENE

JULIAN DENNISON: “When Thor first meets Korg, I love that scene. It’s really funny. Taika [Waititi] plays Korg, and and it’s got a bit of Kiwi humour in there because of Taika. I love the way Korg talks. Our local library, our sister works at, and she knows people who talk like Korg.” INT. SAKAAR PRISONERS’ QUARTERS — DAY

Thor (Chris Hemsworth) has been taken prisoner and is thrown onto the ground of a circular corridor. Guards shut the door behind him. He picks himself up and bangs on the door. A large blue being, Korg (Taika Waititi), sitting against a wall, speaks to him.

KORG: Hey hey hey! Hey, take it easy, man!

Thor turns round. He sees the blue being sitting next to a smaller creature wielding blades.

KORG: Over here! Pile of rocks, waving at you. Here. I’m actually a thing, I’m a being. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Korg, I’m kinda like the leader in here. I’m made of rocks, as you can see, but don’t let that intimidate you. You don’t need to be afraid, unless you’re made of scissors. [Laughing and standing up] Just a little rock paper scissors joke for you. [He points to his companion] This is my very good friend over here, Miek. He’s an insect, and has knives for hands. Miek displays some killer moves. THOR: You’re a Kronan, aren’t you? KORG: That I am. THOR: How did you end up in here?

Thor begins to walk down the corridor. Korg walks with him. Miek continues to display his killer moves.

KORG: Oh, well, I tried to start a revolution but didn’t print enough pamphlets, so hardly anyone turned up, except for my mum and her boyfriend, who I hate. As punishment, I was forced to be in here and become a gladiator. Bit of a promotional disaster, that one.

Thor, tired of the talk, runs down the corridor to try to find a way. And reappears almost instantly, behind Korg, who keeps on talking.

KORG: But, I’m actually organising another revolution. Don’t know if you’d be interested in something like that. Do you reckon you’d be interested?

THOR: How...? How did you...?

KORG: Ah yeah, nah… this whole thing is a circle. But not a real circle. More like a freaky circle.

THOR: This doesn’t make any sense.

KORG: Nah, nothing makes sense here, man. The only thing that does make sense is that nothing makes sense.

THOR: Has anyone here fought the Grandmaster’s champion?

KORG: Doug has. [Shouting] Doug! Ah, nah... Doug’s dead. That’s right, everyone who fights the Grandmaster’s champion perishes.

THOR: What about you? You’re made of rocks.

KORG: Perishable rock. [A rock falls off Korg] Oh, there you go. Another one gone. Yeah, no, I just do the smaller fights, warm up the crowd and whatnot. Wait, wait… you’re not going to face him, are you?

THOR: Yes, I am. [Thor walks off, leaving Korg behind] I’ll fight him, win, and get the hell out of this place.

KORG: That’s exactly what Doug used to say. See you later, New Doug!