Chris Hemsworth Previews ’12 Strong,’ Teases Upcoming ‘Avengers’ Films
Australian actor Chris Hemsworth is expected to have an action-packed year at the box office with films that feature two kinds of superheroes.
The Horse Soldier
The first hero that Hemsworth will portray is Green Beret Captain Mitchell Nelson in the upcoming war drama 12 Strong.
The film, which is based on author Doug Stanton's 2009 Horse Soldiers, focuses on Hemsworth's Captain Nelson and his Green Beret battalion. Nelson and his force, which includes Michael Peña, Trevante Rhodes, and Michael Shannon, have been tasked by the U.S. government to invade Afghanistan following the devastating Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Nelson's team must venture by horse to convince an influential Afghani leader to join forces with them as they tackle an unholy alliance of the Taliban and Al-Qaeda terrorists.
"Riding in full military gear with packs, weapons, and all sorts of equipment is a whole other thing. But it was a hell of an exciting shoot for obvious reasons, including getting a horse to hit his mark on camera while you're giving a line. That's not easy," said Hemsworth.
12 Strong is expected to drop into theatres on Jan. 19.
From "Ragnarok" To "Infinity War"
While 12 Strong could be a potential hit at the box office, the most significant questions that are on fans' minds concern Hemsworth's involvement with the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Last year, fans rallied to the box office to support Thor: Ragnarok, which marked several significant changes for Hemsworth's God of Thunder. From his throwdown with the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) on the Grandmaster's planet to his life-changing battle with Hela (Cate Blanchett), Thor barely survived the explosive events of the finale and now sees himself as the King of Asgard.
As Thor rejoins the Avengers in the battle against the cosmic god, Thanos (Josh Brolin), Hemsworth revealed how many Marvel Cinematic Universe characters would be involved in Avengers: Infinity War.
"I think what these characters are about to face -- with Thanos -- there's been nothing quite like it. There are 76 cast members or something like that. I think what people are going to be excited about is what I was excited about and that Thor's meeting the Guardians [of the Galaxy] and Iron Man meeting Doctor Strange."
Thor's Future Plans
When Avengers: Infinity War is released on May 4, 2018, it will begin a countdown to its 2019 sequel. The sequel could potentially mark the final appearance of Hemsworth's Thor, as Hemsworth will reach the end of his contract with the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
"It's sort of a scary thought. This really seemed like this never-ending thing. And now it's potentially ending," said Hemsworth.
The actor might take a breather from acting and could focus on strengthening his family.
Avengers 4 is expected in theatres on May 3, 2019.
