When we think of Australian superstar Chris Hemsworth, we tend to think of him as a white knight of sorts. The characters he portrays are often strong, brave, and downright heroic, with turns in films like Red Dawn (2012), Snow White And The Huntsman (2012), Men In Black: International (2019), and of course his most iconic role as Thor, The God Of Thunder, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film series. But now Hemsworth is going to be testing the waters and trying out something new. Something downright villainous!
Chris Hemsworth is set to star opposite Anya Taylor-Joy (The Queen’s Gambit) as the lead villain for the upcoming Mad Max franchise spinoff, Furiosa (2024). This prequel story, which follows Charlize Theron’s character Imperator Furiosa from Mad Max: Fury Road (2015), sees AnyaTaylor-Joy taking over as a younger version of the titular character. Hemsworth is now cast as her mysterious new antagonist. We know nothing about the role Hemsworth will be playing other than that he will be the film’s “big bad”, which should likely prove interesting considering the actor has never been seen in a role quite like this before.
In the new book Blood, Sweat & Chrome: The Wild and True Story of Mad Max: Fury Road (yes this is seriously the entire title), it was revealed that the actor behind Marvel’s strongest Asgardian would be taking on the role of this villainous new character who currently remains shrouded in mystery. This reveal is coupled with claims that the director and creator of the Mad Max franchise George Miller “fell in love” with Chris Hemsworth after what was initially considered a “courtesy audition.” According to Fury Road Assistant Director P.J. Voeten:
George saw Chris [Hemsworth] initially as a courtesy and then fell in love with the idea. He’s going to play totally against type, the lead baddie. Unfortunately, we’ve got to find all of our other characters that aren’t around anymore: a new Immortan Joe, a new Bullet Farmer, and a few others.
It seems that while Miller and Voeten are likely excited about the prospect of having Hemsworth carrying their new film as the heavy, there is a certain weight of loss to bear when it comes to the unfortunate passing of several key cast members from Fury Road, including Richard Carter, who played The Bullet Farmer and passed in 2019, and the legendary Hugh Keays-Byrne, who passed in 2020. It seems that Keays-Byrne may be hard to top after his iconic performance as Immortan Joe in the last film. If they’re planning on including the character (which would probably be a substantial role), whoever steps into that role has big shoes to fill.
Chris Hemsworth is joined by Anya Taylor-Joy and Tom Burke in Furiosa, which is set to release on May 24, 2024, from director George Miller. Information on the new villain Chris Hemsworth will be playing is scarce, but we’re sure that his inclusion will be an exhilarating new presence in the Mad Max saga. Maybe he will even return for a proper Fury Road sequel to face off with Tom Hardy’s Mad Max? Only time will tell. Until then, be sure to ride eternal, shiny, and chrome!
