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Chris Hemsworth is widely recognized for his portrayal of the Norse god Thor, wielding his iconic hammer in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
However, the acclaimed Australian actor is now venturing beyond the realm of superpowers, embracing science, introspection, and a fresh set of personal trials, many of which present challenges far more daunting than battling fictional adversaries.
The 41-year-old actor returns for a second season of “Limitless,” a series that sees him confronting his deepest anxieties as he explores pathways to a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life.
“The first season almost killed me,” Hemsworth remarked to the BBC. “And I thought, ‘never again.'”
In the inaugural season, Hemsworth undertook a series of rigorous physical and mental challenges designed to decelerate the aging process, including free diving, extended fasting, stress resilience training, and traversing a crane at a dizzying height of 900ft (275m) above the ground.
The actor explained that he willingly chose to “torture” himself once more, driven by an insatiable curiosity to “ask bigger and deeper questions” regarding the complexities of aging and the overarching meaning of life.
“It was exhausting but also profoundly rewarding,” he stated. “But now I do have more questions rather than answers!”
Season two charts a different course as Hemsworth continues his self-testing, extending beyond the physical realm. With the assistance of Ed Sheeran, he embarks on learning to play a musical instrument for the first time and, drawing inspiration from his children’s uninhibited risk-taking, he scales a 600ft (185m) Alpine dam.
“Being thrust into unfamiliar environments where you’re facing adversity or risk helps you understand how fragile life is and how quickly it can change,” he said.
Hemsworth, whose brothers Liam and Luke are also prominent actors, shared that he now approaches life with a renewed sense of gratitude, having learned to avoid “settling for the easy route as the greatest lessons come from the more challenging times.”
A significant challenge for the actor arose during the first season of the National Geographic series when a genetic test revealed that he carries two copies of the ApoE4 gene, inherited from both his mother and father. This genetic predisposition elevates his likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease to eight to ten times greater than individuals without both copies of the gene.
“That warning sign was further motivation to take care of myself,” Hemsworth explained.
“It also felt like a great opportunity to offer up education and a better understanding for people navigating it as Alzheimer’s is something a lot of people face.”
While Hemsworth has cultivated an increasing interest in optimizing his well-being, he acknowledges the delicate balance between healthy aging and the more extreme practices of biohacking.
Biohackers seek to enhance the functioning of their bodies and brains by “hacking” their inherent biology.
“You want to live a longer and better life, but at what cost? You could have your exact routine, but there’s no point doing all of that if you’re isolated and lonely at home,” says Hemsworth.
“I’m going to put energy into health and wellness, but I also want to enjoy life.”
This outlook contrasts with the more radical elements of the biohacking movement, which has gained attention through figures such as tech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson.
Johnson, 47, has invested millions of dollars in his quest to decelerate aging – his comprehensive regime, Project Blueprint, entails consuming numerous supplements daily, adhering to a strict dietary and sleep schedule, and undergoing plasma exchange procedures.
While Hemsworth finds this approach intriguing, he admits he has “no interest to explore”.
“I like dancing in and out of those spaces,” Hemsworth explains. “Sometimes I try one thing, then another, and different pieces of science resonate at different times in your life.
“If you’re too boxed in with one way of thinking, you close the doors to other opportunities.”
In addition to reversing his biological age, Johnson aspires to unlock the secrets of immortality.
However, the Marvel star posits that no one has yet devised a means to circumvent death, and he remains skeptical that anyone ever will. Therefore, he believes, “we have to embrace death.”
“Suffering comes from denial of our inevitability of death – we all have an expiration date.”
He adds: “If you were told you had 200 years guaranteed, you’d become more complacent and reckless. The idea that life can be taken away at any second is a beautiful reminder to appreciate every moment.”
He further explains that the potential for human immortality would diminish the significance of interpersonal relationships. For Hemsworth, family assumes a paramount importance.
The Thor actor resides in Byron Bay with his wife, actress Elsa Pataky, and their three children. “Limitless” explores how his choices impact not only his own life but also the lives of those around him.
A driving force behind his decision to film a second series was “the great feedback from young kids, parents and grandparents” and realizing that he was able to inspire others to challenge themselves.
Despite his status as a global action star, Hemsworth demonstrates a deep sense of introspection and appears profoundly motivated to find constant meaning and purpose in his life.
“This experience reminds me of what I’m offering up and receiving,” he says, adding that it’s important for him to always remember that “we don’t survive and thrive on our own”.
In tandem with his lifelong pursuit of optimizing his well-being, Hemsworth is also contemplating the next chapter of his acting career.
Thor is slated to return in “Avengers: Doomsday,” scheduled for release in the winter of 2026.
Regarding the possibility of another standalone film, the actor states: “I don’t know, we’ll have to see where this one goes as I’m unpacking all of that now.
“It’s something I certainly love and so we’ll see what happens.”
National Geographic’s Limitless: Live Better Now is available to stream on Disney+ from 15 August.
BBC News used AI to help write the summary at the top of this article. It was edited by BBC journalists. Find out more.
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