Warning: Spoilers
Look, as far as spoilers go, the Russo brothers have confirmed Avengers: Endgame is now fair game.
If you have yet to see the film you’ll probably be shocked to learn Chris Hemsworth and his character, the God of Thunder, aka Thor, do not appear in a fashion you’ll be accustomed to.
The hammer-toting, replacement axe-wielding hero has withdrawn from the world in the five years which followed Avengers: Infinity War. Living in New Asgard, Thor swaps kicking ass for the comfort of the sofa, online video games, threatening trolls, and snacking. Lots of snacking.
It’s surprisingly relatable. Not the scale of what he has lost, but that a sense of loss has destroyed his will to engage with the world – for whatever reason, we’ve all likely been there in our own ways.
Avengers: Endgame handled the matter with a subtle poignancy, and like the hero he is, Hemsworth’s character proves it is attitude that counts and the extra pounds don’t prevent Thor from playing a key role in overcoming Thanos’ plan to wipe out half of existence.
Speaking to SiriusXM, and as reported by Looper, directorial duo the Russo brothers addressed how Hemsworth reacted to their plans for Odin’s son.
Check it out:
Joe Russo explained:
Hemsworth is up for anything. He likes to take risks.
Anthony Russo added:
Before the script was ready, when we called him to pitch the character arc, he was either still finishing or had just finished Ragnarok, but he was so energised by the work he had done with Taika (Waititi) in that movie in terms of coming up with a comedic and irreverent Thor.
In a recent appearance on the Cinemablend podcast, ReelBlend, they elaborated further still, adding Hemsworth had to maintain his gym-going habits, despite his character’s outer appearance.
Anthony Russo commented:
He was so ignited by the work that he had done with Taika in Ragnarok that he was definitely in a zone where he was really excited about being adventurous and edgy with what Thor could be and where he could go. I think the only downside for the whole experience for Hemsworth was that the fat suit was quite heavy… We had to keep – the proximity of shooting these [two movies] was pretty tight.
Joe continued:
It didn’t allow him time to [stop working out]. Plus, we were doing reshoots on Infinity War while we were shooting Endgame.
If you want a taste of what a Thor routine looks like, you should check out Chris and Ella Hemsworth’s new fitness app Centr. Thankfully the routine of his stunt double has been shared with UNILAD.
Bobby Holland Hanton has doubled for Hemsworth for seven years, as well as stunt performances stunts for Daniel Craig (Quantum Of Solace) and Christian Bale (The Dark Knight Rises). Skipping leg day, or any day for that matter is simply not an option.
Hanton needed to not only have a passable likeness for Thor, but also the fitness to be able to undertake backflips and fights required. He trains six days a week, dialing it down or ramping it up depending on the movie he’s on.
Bobby’s workouts, which are featured on Centr, are designed to build strength all over, sculpting your body and improving athleticism. Plus, you’ll feel like a badass when you finish! Give it a go for yourself below, and don’t forget to flex when you’re done.
The Workout
To complete this session do 40 seconds on, 20 seconds off for the following movements. Complete four rounds total.
Bear Crawl
From a squatting position, your feet slightly wider than your shoulders, place both hands on the ground so your body forms a kind of table – resting on your toes, your knees hovering above the ground and your back flat. From here, crawl forward on your hands and toes, with your feet and knees kicking out a little wider than your hands to generate speed. Then push backwards on hands and toes to return to the start.
Arch Hold Swims
Take the superman position by lying on your belly and hovering your feet and arms slightly off the ground as you tense your abs and glutes. From here, bring your hands toward your face, bending your elbows. Then, straighten your arms so your hands sweep out on either side, before bringing them back to your face again and back up. Ensure they are hovering for the entire movement.
Jumping Push-Ups
Begin in a push up position on your toes, but with your whole body angled slightly off center to the right side of the room. Lower your body to the ground, and then as you push up pivot on your toes and jump your upper body up so that you land angling your body to the left side of the room. It is key with this move that you maintain a straight line from your shoulders to feet, and keep your toes on the ground for the entire movement.
Kick Sits
Put yourself into a wide crawl position, knees slightly wider than hips. Keeping your hands on the floor and your shoulders square, drive your left knee towards your right wrist, then your right knee towards your left wrist, your little toe sliding across the floor.
Jumping Lunges
To begin, extend your left leg behind you, placing it on the ground and sinking into a lunge position (and ensuring your right knee stays in line with your right ankle). As you raise back up, jump and switch the location of your legs midair so your right leg lands behind you. Try to land softly, and repeat.
I’m sweating just reading this, so odds are it’ll be effective if you commit and balance it with an appropriate diet.
You can get a free trial of Centr via their website.
Avengers: Endgame is available for your viewing pleasure right now at a packed out cinema near you.
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