Chris Hemsworth, known worldwide for his portrayal of Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is trading in his hammer for a deeper exploration of life’s fragilities in the new season of Limitless. The 41-year-old Australian actor, who has built a career around battling fictional villains, now faces personal fears and challenges that feel far more real than anything from Asgard.
In the second season of Limitless, Hemsworth takes a bold step into the realm of healthy aging, confronting both physical and mental obstacles in a bid to answer life’s toughest questions. Reflecting on his journey, Hemsworth admits, “The first season almost killed me. And I thought, ‘never again,'” but his curiosity pushed him to return for more intense trials.
Season one had already pushed Hemsworth to his limits, with tasks ranging from free diving to fasting, stress training, and walking along a crane 900 feet above the ground. “It was exhausting but also profoundly rewarding,” he says. “But now I do have more questions rather than answers!”
In the new season, Hemsworth moves away from extreme physical feats and embraces more introspective challenges. With the help of musician Ed Sheeran, he learns to play the drums for the first time, and in a daring adventure inspired by his children’s carefree spirit, he climbs a 600-foot 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,” Hemsworth explains. “I’ve learned to not settle for the easy route as the greatest lessons come from the more challenging times.”
Among the most significant revelations in the series is Hemsworth’s genetic test, which showed that he carries two copies of the ApoE4 gene, putting him at a significantly higher risk for Alzheimer’s. “That warning sign was further motivation to take care of myself,” he says, noting that it also offers a platform to raise awareness about a disease that affects millions globally.
While Hemsworth is committed to finding ways to age better, he draws a clear line between healthy living and extreme biohacking. “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,” he shares. This mindset puts him at odds with extreme biohacking figures like Bryan Johnson, who spends millions of dollars in an effort to reverse aging and even live forever. Hemsworth admits he finds the idea intriguing but says he has “no interest to explore” such radical measures.
“I like dancing in and out of those spaces,” he muses, adding that he finds value in trying new things and learning from them, but maintains that no one has cracked the code to eternal life. “If humans could live forever, relationships with others wouldn’t be as important,” he says. “The idea that life can be taken away at any second is a beautiful reminder to appreciate every moment.”
For Hemsworth, family remains central to his perspective on life. Living in Byron Bay with his wife, actress Elsa Pataky, and their three children, Hemsworth sees the importance of his choices on both his life and the lives of those around him. “This experience reminds me of what I’m offering up and receiving,” he reflects.
Despite his larger-than-life persona in the Thor franchise, Hemsworth is looking inward, contemplating what the future holds. “Thor will return in Avengers: Doomsday, slated for release in winter 2026, but for now, Hemsworth is focused on navigating this new chapter with curiosity, purpose, and a commitment to living well,” he says.
National Geographic’s Limitless: Live Better Now is available to stream on Disney+ from 15 August.
