Chris Hemsworth, the universally adored A-list movie star, is facing a fear many can relate to: the inevitability of aging. Despite his towering stature, chiseled physique, and a reported net worth of $200 million, Hemsworth found himself questioning his vitality while filming the second season of his documentary series Limitless. “We were midway through production, everything was sore, I was exhausted, and I thought to myself, ‘Oh God, am I getting old?’” he shared with a laugh. If even Thor feels the weight of time, perhaps it’s a universal concern.
The announcement comes as Hemsworth continues to push his physical and mental limits in Limitless. The first season saw him undertake extreme challenges like free diving, fasting, stress training, and walking along a crane 275 meters above the ground. Filmed over 175 days across 12 countries, Hemsworth considers it one of his most significant professional achievements. “I was really proud of what we’d brought to life – that series was incredibly challenging and almost killed me several times,” he reflected. Yet, the overwhelming response from viewers, including parents at his children’s school, inspired him to continue.
Exploring New Frontiers in Season Two
While Hemsworth is no stranger to reprising roles – having played Thor in 13 projects – he sought a new challenge for the second season of Limitless. “At this point in my life, I have a deeper, inquisitive sort of drive around some of the more existential questions as well as questions around adversity, pain management and being removed from your comfort zone,” he explained. This season promises a more varied set of challenges, including training with special forces in South Korea and climbing a 183-meter dam in the Swiss Alps.
Episode one, titled “Brain Power,” tasks Hemsworth with learning the drums in two months to perform live with Ed Sheeran in front of 70,000 people. This challenge is particularly personal for Hemsworth, who discovered in the first season that he carries two copies of the APOE4 gene, increasing his risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
“We’re not very good at our relationship to death, especially in Western culture, we tend to keep it out of sight, out of mind,” Hemsworth noted. “But during [Limitless] I thought a lot about getting older, there are more injuries, people are passing away, loved ones are moving on, and things are dramatically shifting and changing.”
Confronting Mortality and Legacy
At 42, Hemsworth is candid about his age-appropriate worries, such as his parents’ longevity and spending enough time with his children. Living just outside of Byron Bay with his wife, Elsa Pataky, and their children, Hemsworth is contemplating a gradual retreat from the limelight. “Yeah, absolutely, I feel like I’m continually grasping that and losing it,” he admitted. The realization that he is in the “second half of life” has prompted introspection.
Currently filming Avengers: Doomsday in London, Hemsworth acknowledges that his time as Thor might be nearing its end. “This time around, being with some of the old cast and then a lot of new cast, I accept I’m now one of the elder statesmen,” he said, acknowledging the changing dynamics within the Marvel universe.
Looking Ahead
As Hemsworth navigates these personal and professional transitions, he remains grateful for his journey. “I don’t know what the future holds for Thor, but I am so thankful for what’s come before,” he expressed. Meanwhile, his son’s recent interest in watching Hemsworth’s earlier films has served as a humorous reminder of the passage of time. “My son, just the other day, was watching the second Thor film, and I was like, ‘Oh my God, I look like a teenager’,” he recounted. “It made me realize I seriously need to get some more sleep.”
Limitless: Live Better Now streams on Disney+ from August 15, offering viewers a chance to join Hemsworth on his journey of self-discovery and resilience.
