Chris Hemsworth has been an essential figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe for more than ten years, embodying Thor, the God of Thunder. Recently, Hemsworth shared insights about how Disney executives halted a stunt he proposed due to the risk involved and the need to safeguard his continuing role as Thor in future Marvel projects. During an interview discussing the second season of his National Geographic series, the actor disclosed that the stunt was rejected specifically to protect his Marvel future.
Stunt Safety Concerns and Alternative Challenges in National Geographic Series
Hemsworth originally planned to surf a 40-foot wave alongside big wave specialists for his series, but the idea was rejected by Disney’s decision-makers due to the high risk involved. Instead, Hemsworth undertook climbing a 200-meter dam wall, which was deemed manageable by the risk assessment team. He explained the safety concerns clearly:
“I was going to attempt to surf a 40-foot wave and train with big wave specialists, but we couldn’t get it through the ranks,”
Chris Hemsworth revealed.
“The risk assessment, basically, was too far gone, so I ended up climbing a 200-meter dam wall. They both have a fair amount of risk attached to them, but [the dam climb] got past the risk assessment team. So there definitely was [concern from above]: ‘No, we need him to go off and shoot Thor next. We can’t have him drown while filming a big wave episode.’”
The first season of Hemsworth’s show, previously titled Limitless, saw the star take his physical limits to extremes while exploring the science of how to live longer. The new season, Limitless: Live Better Now, takes a different approach, focusing on more relatable challenges that address common human issues such as pain management, fear, and cognitive health. The three-part series involves Hemsworth tackling rigorous activities, including learning to drum for a live Ed Sheeran performance, undergoing South Korean Special Forces training designed to manage chronic pain, and scaling a 600-foot dam in the Swiss Alps to face physical and mental risks.
Clarifying Rumors: Hemsworth’s Role as Thor Is Far from Over
Following a video Hemsworth shared that marked his 15-year association with Thor, many fans presumed the actor was bidding farewell to the character. Hemsworth clarified that the video was simply a gesture of gratitude and reflection, not a farewell or indication of ending his association with Marvel. There was no internal conversation about damage control despite public speculation, and the actor insisted his journey as Thor remains alive and ongoing.
“I had a few people ask me about it, and someone on my team said, ‘Ugh, we’ve given the wrong impression here,’”
Hemsworth addressed.
“We didn’t do any [damage control]; there was no damage control necessary. But a lot was read into a little. I was [already] off starting another chapter of this character, and this journey has been the biggest part of my career. So [the video] was a moment of gratitude, and it wasn’t anything else. But it definitely got misconstrued and perceived in a different way.”
Upcoming Marvel Projects Confirm Hemsworth’s Continued Role as Thor
Hemsworth is confirmed to appear as Thor in Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled for release on December 18, 2026. This film marks the return of directors Joe and Anthony Russo, who previously helmed Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame. The post-credits scene in Thor: Love and Thunder also teases future storylines by introducing Brett Goldstein’s Hercules as a new adversary hunting Thor.
Although Marvel has not formally announced the next phase of Thor films beyond Avengers: Secret Wars, insiders have indicated that Thor 5 is already in early development. However, director Taika Waititi has publicly shared that he will not return due to other filmmaking commitments occupying his schedule. This departure creates potential for a fresh creative direction, something Hemsworth has expressed interest in pursuing after feeling that Love and Thunder was “too silly.”
Release Dates for Limitless: Live Better Now and Avengers: Doomsday
Limitless: Live Better Now will premiere on Disney+ on August 15, 2024, bringing new trials and discoveries centered on improving life quality. Meanwhile, Marvel fans can eagerly anticipate Hemsworth’s return as the God of Thunder in the highly anticipated Avengers: Doomsday later in 2026, ensuring the actor’s ongoing presence in the MCU storyline.
