Summary
Chris Hemsworth has spent the better part of the last decade playing Thor for Marvel Studios. Since he first donned Thor’s cape in 2011’sThor, Hemsworth has quickly made a name for himself in Hollywood. Unfortunately, though, being cast as Thor Odinson has also meant Hemsworth has often times found himself typecast.Furiosa: A Mad Max Sagahas the ability to change, though.
Due to his casting asThor, Hemsworth has found himself often cast as the action hero. With the upcomingMad Max: Fury Roadprequel, though, audiences will see Hemsworth take a villainous turn as Dr. Dementus. It was a role that took some convincing for the actor to tackle, but one that ultimately felt right once he did.
Chris Hemsworth is moving beyond playing Thor
Chris Hemsworth has been a staple within the Marvel Cinematic Universe since 2011. When he first signed on to play Thor, the actor was still relatively unknown, with his short appearance as George Kirk in 2009’sStar Trekserving as his biggest role. He managed to win the part of Thor Odinson over the likes of Tom Hiddleston, who wouldgo on to play Loki, Alexander Skarsgard, and Chris' own brother, Liam Hemsworth. Landing the role of Thor, when the Marvel Cinematic Universe was still in its early stages, proved to be a huge deal for the actor. Not only did it successfully launch his career in Hollywood, but it also quickly put the actor on the map as a promising action star.
Throughout the years, Hemsworth has gone on to star in films likeThe Cabin in the Woods,Snow White and the Huntsman,Red Dawn, andRush. Unfortunately, though, whileThe Cabin in the Woodsquickly became a cult favorite, it looked like Hemsworth’s career was forever stuck in hero mode. He would continue to go on, trying to push himself with roles inIn the Heart of the Sea,Ghostbusters,Men in Black, andExtraction, but outside ofExtraction, Hemsworth seemed unlikely to break free of Thor’s cape. It was almost as if the very role that had launched his career had also limited his career.
This begs the question: how does one become more than just another superhero actor? Trying to establish oneself as something more than just a comic book actor isn’t an easy task. It’s something actors like Chris Evans and even Robert Downey Jr. have struggled with since their time with Marvel Studios. Every choice they make, every role they take, needs to be considered carefully, and Hemsworth’s role inFuriosa: A Mad Max Sagais one he took time to consider before signing on.
Chris Hemsworth as a villainous warlord in Furiosa
Writer and director George Millerand Chris Hemsworth were on hand at Cinema Con to promoteFuriosa. While presenting footage from the film, Miller briefly discussed what went into casting Hemsworth as the warlord, Dr. Dementus. According toThe Hollywood Reporter, Miller hadn’t initially considered Hemsworth for the role until the two sat down and discussed the character. It was then that the director found the actor to have a lot more dimension to him than he thought, deeming him perfect for the role of Dementus.
Hemsworth has taken a villainous role before inBad Times at the El Royale, a role that earned the actor plenty of praise among critics. But his turn as the warlord Dr. Dementus, in a franchise that is already well-established, is one that could take Hemsworth further in his career. There are plenty of greatChis Hemsworth performances that are not Thor, but Appearing as such an imposing villain could open up more doors for the actor. Much like howGhostbustersproved Hemsworth is a fantastic comedy actor, who merely doesn’t get the chance to showcase his comedic chops,Furiosacan prove Hemsworth is more than Thor. With a complex character like Dr. Dementus, it would seem likely that Hemsworth can finally break free of being a handsome action star, and prove himself capable of being a multifaceted figure. One who can tackle any role thrown at him.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,which stars Hemsworth andAnya Taylor-Joy, will hit theaters on May 4.
