It wasn’t too long ago that Australian actor Chris Hemsworth was strolling “Summer Bay”. Now the former Home and Away star pounds the pavement in Tinseltown, after he landed the role of Thor in Marvel’s screen comic book adaptation.
After just recently reprising his role as Thor in The Avengers, starring alongside Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Downey Jr. and Scarlett Johansson, the 28-year-old actor has been nominated for a Rising Star Award at next month’s prestigious BAFTA Awards.
The gong recognises a new talent that is making an impact on the film industry. Hemsworth, who last year also finished his acting duties on Snow White and The Huntsman (which also stars Kristen Stewart and Charlize Theron and features the work of Aussie cinematographer Greig Fraser), is up against decent competition: Tom Hiddleston (War Horse), Eddie Redmayne (My Week With Marilyn), Adam Deacon (Kidulthood) and Irish funnyman Chris O’Dowd (Bridesmaids).
O’Dowd, who rose to fame on British comedy The IT Crowd, was in Australia last year filming feature musical The Sapphires, which is currently in Post Production.
Hemsworth will also soon appear in a new Ron Howard biopic – Rush – which is rumoured to also star Aussie Russell Crowe. The feature tells the story of Formula One champion Niki Lauda (played by Inglourious Basterds' Daniel Brühl) who almost died in a 1976 crash. Melbourne-born Hemsworth will play James Hunt – Lauda’s rival.
Previous winners of the Rising Star Award include Tom Hardy (2011), Kristen Stewart (2010), Shia LaBeouf (2008) and James McAvoy (2006).
The BAFTAs will be held on February 12 at London’s Royal Opera House.