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Porcelain perfection is what many would instantly notice about Cate Blanchett. Shining on the big screen is a quality she has always had, and it is hard to think of times over the past decade when she wasn’t having a big year. With that caveat, the Australian Hollywood actress is enjoying a massive 2023 following her outstanding performance in the Todd Field epic, Tár.



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The 53-year-old thespian is known for her versatile work across independent films, blockbusters and the stage and has received numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, four British Academy Film Awards and four Golden Globe Awards, in addition to nominations for a Tony and two Primetime Emmys. Every award-giving body out there has given Blanchett the attention she so richly deserves.


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Taking the biscuit It’s always fascinating to look back on the humble beginnings of celebrated icons – and for Cate Blanchett, this is the iconic TV commercial for Tim Tam, the chocolate biscuits sold in her homeland. In between theatre roles after she finished a degree in fine arts, the Melbourne native played a woman who, after freeing a genie from a lamp, is granted three wishes. Blanchett’s cookie-craving character merely requests an endless supply of Tim Tams.



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Blanchett’s extensive appearances both on screen and stage can be traced back to 1992 when she debuted as Electra in the Australian National Institute of Dramatic Art production of the play of the same name. From there, she landed her first leading role on local television in 1994’s Heartland, and Bordertown with Hugo Weaving in 1995.


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The international viewing public first discovered Blanchett’s incredible potential for transformation in 1998 when she played Elizabeth I in Shekhar Kapur’s Elizabeth. Pale-faced, with flame-red hair and a steely character, the actress gave a punchy performance as the British monarch who took the throne in 1558 at the age of 25. The Virgin Queen ruled England during one of its most opulent eras in a world dominated by men. She received both a Bafta and a Golden Globe for Best Actress for the breakthrough role.



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The Great Pretender After headline-hitting roles in The Talented Mr. Ripley and The Lord of the Rings, she appeared in the seminal 2003 film Coffee and Cigarettes by Jim Jarmusch. She portrayed both herself and a fictitious cousin, Shelly, in one of 11 vignettes shot in black and white. One more time Cate played chameleon on screen.



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Blanchett is also the only actress in history to be nominated for the same role, following up her lead turn in Elizabeth with a sequel, Elizabeth: The Golden Age, nine years later. Her Oscar triumph for portraying Katharine Hepburn in The Aviator made her the first person to win the award for playing another Oscar winner.


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Complex metamorphoses and playing people of the other sex do not faze her. She stunned reviewers and viewers in 2007 when she appeared as Bob Dylan in Todd Haynes’ biopic I’m Not There. Dylan was played by six different actors at six different phases of his life, with Blanchett turning in a standout performance. This role brought her a notable distinction: she is one of three women to be nominated for an Oscar for portraying a man.



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“I wanted to be him,” Blanchett has said of the singer. “It’s the first time I ever had that feeling. I actually wanted to be Dylan. Ultimately, he just really didn’t care. He’s on his own path.”



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(Read the full article in the May 2023 issue (pg: 114). Available on the Gafencu app on Android and Apple.)

Cate of the Art: Strong on and off screen, Tár star Cate Blanchett finds it hard to leave the limelight

When Robert Downey Jr donned his now-iconic red-and-yellow armour in 2008’s Iron Man, few could have imagined that his successful portrayal of “genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist” Tony Stark would spawn a cinematic franchise the likes of which the world had never seen before. Indeed, since this opening instalment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) – the massive movie franchise run by Marvel Studios, based off of characters from Marvel Comics – cinemagoers across the globe have fallen in love with Iron Man and his merry band of superhero friends, The Avengers.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-49384" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Phase-4.jpg" alt="Marvel Cinematic Universe - Phase 4" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Phase-4.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Phase-4-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Phase-4-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Phase-4-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Phase-4-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Phase-4-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Phase-4-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Much of this ‘Marvel-lous’ world’s success lies in its deft ability to blend jaw-dropping action scenes, poignant storylines and irreverent humour, which have pretty much become the calling card of the Marvel movie-going experience, infecting even the most cynical critics with Marvel Fever and causing them to root for such out-of-this-world protagonists as a gamma ray-infused rage monster (The Hulk), an interchangeably-sized ex-con (Ant-Man), a talking tree (Groot of Guardians of the Galaxy), and everything in between.
It is precisely this magic formula that has allowed Marvel to far outstrip any studio competitor, leading it to spin one collective story across 22 movies and three separate phases in what is colloquially known as The Infinity Saga. This superlative success has also translated into lucrative financial gains, with the Marvel Cinematic Universe having grossed over US$22 billion worldwide to date.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-49383" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Iron-Man.jpg" alt="Marvel Cinematic Universe - Iron Man" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Iron-Man.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Iron-Man-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Iron-Man-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Iron-Man-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Iron-Man-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Iron-Man-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Iron-Man-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
However, now, with Iron Man dead, Captain America seeking post-retirement bliss and Spider-Man caught in a web of disputes that may see him exiting the MCU forever, it’s safe to assume that the recently-announced Phase Four line-up will be a very different beast from the 22-instalment saga that preceded it. While the films are almost all still in preproduction, Marvel fans the world over are already abuzz about what to expect. Kevin Feige, the franchise’s executive producer, has also added to the anticipation by dropping a few spoilers as well. So what, exactly, can we expect?
First, as confirmed by Marvel, we can expect nine different instalments – a mix of feature films and TV series – which will run from 2020 to 2022. The studio has already promised to bring back some familiar faces, including Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow, Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange, Chris Hemsworth’s Thor and Tom Hiddleston’s Loki, in addition to introducing several brand new characters. There have also been less-than-subtle hints that this will be the most inclusive line-up in MCU history, with its first Asian superhero, first openly-queer character and first deaf superhero, all soon to finally get their fair share of the spotlight.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-49380" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Black-Widow.jpg" alt="Marvel Cinematic Universe - Black Widow" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Black-Widow.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Black-Widow-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Black-Widow-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Black-Widow-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Black-Widow-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Black-Widow-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Black-Widow-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
The most well-known of the next slate may well be Black Widow, set for release on 1 May 2020 as the debut Phase Four outing. Given that Natasha Romanov (aka the Black Widow) forfeited her life in the fight against supervillain Thanos, the upcoming prequel will undoubtedly indulge in Marvel’s penchant for time-travelling shenanigans, transporting audiences back to a time when she was hale and healthy. If rumours are to be believed, the movie will take place between the events of Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War. A glimpse of the confirmed cast / character list, meanwhile, reveals that we will get a more in-depth look at the Red Room, the Russian superspy programme that spawned Romanov. Scarlett Johansson, reprising her role as the assassiness-turned-hero, will be joined by David Harbour (Stranger Things), and Academy Award, BAFTA and Laurence Olivier Award winner Rachel Weisz.
The God of Thunder also looks set to break with his traditional trope in Thor: Love and Thunder, the fourth instalment of the Thor series, which is slated for release on 5 November 2021. While the return of its star, Chris Hemsworth, and Ragnarok director Take Waititi were all but expected, the news that Natalie Portman (who acted as Jane Foster, Thor’s love interest, six years ago) would not only be reprising her role, but would take over the mantle of Thor from Hemsworth caused much uproar. Add to this the fact that Valkyrie, last seen becoming the new King of Asgard, will be looking for her Queen, and this is one movie that surely has everyone at the edge of their seats.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-49385" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Thor.jpg" alt="Marvel Cinematic Universe - Thor" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Thor.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Thor-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Thor-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Thor-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Thor-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" />
Meanwhile, the Sorcerer Supreme – ably portrayed by an American-accented Benedict Cumberbatch – is also set to return to theatres in Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness (7 May 2021). While its plot is yet to be revealed, the movie presents an exciting opportunity to introduce the MCU to the multiverse – where many universes coexist simultaneously. However, in a marked shift from the norm, Marvel has already announced that this will be the franchise’s first-ever horror film, so expect a higher-than-normal dose of spine-tingling thrills, all courtesy of the main villain, the chillingly-named Nightmare.
From here, the Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase Four line-up gets more murky, with little real information available as yet. What we do know, however, is that – come 12 February 2021 – Marvel’s first Asian superhero will be getting his very own feature film in the form of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, starring Simu Liu of Kim’s Convenience fame as the titular character. The superhero, also known as The Master of Kung Fu, is pegged to come up against the real Mandarin (portrayed by Hong Kong’s very own Tony Leung), the villain falsely embodied in Iron Man 3 by Ben Kingsley and Guy Pierce.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-49382" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Dr-Strange.jpg" alt="Marvel Cinematic Universe - Dr Strange" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Dr-Strange.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Dr-Strange-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Dr-Strange-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Dr-Strange-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Dr-Strange-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" />
Another somewhat-new introduction is The Eternals, starring A-listers like Angelina Jolie, Selma Hayek and Kit Harrington. It also features the first deaf superhero, Makkari, to be portrayed by The Walking Dead’s Lauren Ridloff. While these mythical characters have been hinted at in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, they haven’t been explicitly name-checked until now. According to the comic books, though, the Eternals are a race of superpowered beings created by a group of space gods called the Celestials. Thanos, the supervillain at the heart of the franchise to date, was an Eternal, and the upcoming movie will introduce others still.
Interestingly, nearly half of Marvel’s Phase Four line-up consists of small-screen series. While the studio has had TV outings before, they’ve never been a part of its cinematic universe so far. Now, though, thanks to a partnership with the newly-announced Disney+ video on-demand service launched by Marvel’s parent company, Disney, fans can expect several of their MCU favourites to hit the small screen post-Endgame. The first of these series, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, is set to release in&nbsp; the autumn of 2020, and follows the adventures of the new Captain America, Sam Wilson, and Bucky Barnes. Loki (Tom Hiddleston), Thor’s brother and the God of Mischief, will also get his own spin-off&nbsp; show, which follows his adventures upon escaping with the Tesseract to an alternate dimension. Two other TV shows, one featuring Jeremy Renner’s Hawkeye and the other with Elizabeth Olsen’s Scarlet Witch and Paul Bettany’s The Vision, round out the list.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-49381" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Civil-War.jpg" alt="Marvel Cinematic Universe - Civil War" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Civil-War.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Civil-War-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Civil-War-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Civil-War-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Civil-War-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Civil-War-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Civil-War-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
In all, while Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe will likely retain many of the facets that have made its movies such box-office hits, it is refreshing to see it move away from the tried-and-tested style of its predecessors. Be it through a wider array of characters or the use of mixed-media channels, it could be that this experimental style could yield even bigger profits for the studio. While it will be seven months before we can begin to see the results of this gambol, we can, in the meanwhile, contemplate the many Marvel-lous possibilities&#8230;
Text: Tenzing Thondup 
Photos: AFP

Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase Four line-up

Marvel Movies: How will the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Phase Four unfold?

The clock is ticking. In just three months, fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) will finally get to see the ultimate conclusion of the (current) saga in Avengers: Endgame. While anticipation is high to see just how the world’s greatest superheroes bounce back from having half the universe destroyed by mega space villain Thanos, in real life, many are wondering just which of the actors are bidding farewell to the franchise in this valedictory epic.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-41993" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Chris-Hemsworth-has-played-the-role-of-Thor-in-the-Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-for-8-years.jpg" alt="Chris Hemsworth has played the role of Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe for 8 years" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Chris-Hemsworth-has-played-the-role-of-Thor-in-the-Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-for-8-years.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Chris-Hemsworth-has-played-the-role-of-Thor-in-the-Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-for-8-years-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Chris-Hemsworth-has-played-the-role-of-Thor-in-the-Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-for-8-years-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Chris-Hemsworth-has-played-the-role-of-Thor-in-the-Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-for-8-years-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Chris-Hemsworth-has-played-the-role-of-Thor-in-the-Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-for-8-years-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Chris-Hemsworth-has-played-the-role-of-Thor-in-the-Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-for-8-years-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Chris-Hemsworth-has-played-the-role-of-Thor-in-the-Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-for-8-years-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
For a while now, rumours have abounded that it may be the last big screen outing for Chris Evans (Captain America) and Robert Downey Jr (Iron Man). What, though, of that other pillar of the Marvel Universe, the Mighty Thor, as played by Chris Hemsworth in three solo outings and three titanic Avengers team-ups? It’s a fair question. While we know that the character survived the apocalyptic events of last year’s Avengers: Infinity War, we don’t know if the upcoming blockbuster will see the exiled God hang up his legendary hammer for good.
Since Thor burst into cinemas in 2011, Chris Hemsworth has become wholly synonymous with the mighty Norse God. Given his statuesque physique and blonde locks, it’s a role he seemed born to play. It’s also a part that propelled him from being a little-known soap star&nbsp; in Australia to becoming the world’s fourth highest-earning actor, taking home some US$64.5 million last year, according to <a href="https://www.forbes.com/pictures/5b7b16ada7ea43757f2cb680/the-worlds-highest-paid-a/#74bc95e52286">Forbes magazine</a>.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-41995" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Untitled-design-43-min.jpg" alt="Chris Hemsworth was Hollywood's 4th highest earner in 2018" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Untitled-design-43-min.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Untitled-design-43-min-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Untitled-design-43-min-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Untitled-design-43-min-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Untitled-design-43-min-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" />
In order to find success in Hollywood, however, he had to travel a good deal further than most – some 12,800 kilometres to be exact. Born on 11 August 1983 in Melbourne to Craig, a counsellor, and Leonie, a teacher, Chris was the second of three sons. Growing up between stints in Melbourne and extended stays in the wilds of the country’s Outback, one thing was clearly seared into his memory – the relative poverty of the semi-nomadic Hemsworth family.
It was this grim reality that fuelled his resolve to become an actor. It was an ambition he shared with his two brothers – Luke and Liam – both successful actors in their own right. Indeed, it was elder brother Luke who got Chris his first break – a guest spot on Neighbours. It was, however, a rival soap –Home and Away – that brought him lasting local fame. However, he quit the soap after three years back in 2007, announcing he was heading off to Hollywood on a mission to make or break his career.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-41992" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Chris-Hemsworth-first-found-fame-as-a-soap-star-in-Australia.jpg" alt="Chris Hemsworth first found fame as a soap star in Australia" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Chris-Hemsworth-first-found-fame-as-a-soap-star-in-Australia.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Chris-Hemsworth-first-found-fame-as-a-soap-star-in-Australia-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Chris-Hemsworth-first-found-fame-as-a-soap-star-in-Australia-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Chris-Hemsworth-first-found-fame-as-a-soap-star-in-Australia-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Chris-Hemsworth-first-found-fame-as-a-soap-star-in-Australia-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Chris-Hemsworth-first-found-fame-as-a-soap-star-in-Australia-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Chris-Hemsworth-first-found-fame-as-a-soap-star-in-Australia-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
His first break came when he was cast as George Kirk, father of the far-better-known James T, in the 2009 reboot of Star Trek. As Kirk Senior dies in the movie’s opening minutes, it was, however, never destined to be a recurring role. It was another two years, though, before he got the career-defining opportunity to bring the God of Thunder to life.
With Thor as his calling card, his days of uncertain employment were over. Aside from his MCU commitments, he was soon taking the lead in other big budget productions, including Snow White and the Huntsman, Red Dawn and Rush.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-41994" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Chris-Hemsworth-moved-to-Hollywood-in-2007-to-find-international-fame.jpg" alt="Chris Hemsworth moved to Hollywood in 2007 to find international fame" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Chris-Hemsworth-moved-to-Hollywood-in-2007-to-find-international-fame.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Chris-Hemsworth-moved-to-Hollywood-in-2007-to-find-international-fame-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Chris-Hemsworth-moved-to-Hollywood-in-2007-to-find-international-fame-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Chris-Hemsworth-moved-to-Hollywood-in-2007-to-find-international-fame-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Chris-Hemsworth-moved-to-Hollywood-in-2007-to-find-international-fame-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Chris-Hemsworth-moved-to-Hollywood-in-2007-to-find-international-fame-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Chris-Hemsworth-moved-to-Hollywood-in-2007-to-find-international-fame-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Such success, though, was not without its costs. In particular, he was dogged by industry gossip that his wife, Spanish actress Elsa Patsky was struggling to come to terms with her husband’s new superstar status and his prolonged absences from his Byron Bay, Australia home and family, especially his three young children – India, Sasha and Tristan – due to his busy filming schedule.
But this period of constant commuting may soon come to an end for Chris Hemsworth, largely on account of the Heir of Asgard not necessarily featuring in plans for the next phase of the MCU. While Thor&#8217;s ultimate fate won’t be known until 24 April – when Endgame hits a megaplex near you – the fact that his multi-picture Marvel contract expires this year is well known. So far, the actor’s comments on his post-Endgame career have been tantalizingly non-committal, with the 35-year-old saying: “I may even take a whole year off. Maybe, it’s time I cashed in and checked out.”
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-41997" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/With-three-Thor-movies-and-three-Avengers-outings-Chris-Hemsworth-is-a-true-Hollywood-star.jpg" alt="With three Thor movies and three Avengers outings, Chris Hemsworth is a true Hollywood star" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/With-three-Thor-movies-and-three-Avengers-outings-Chris-Hemsworth-is-a-true-Hollywood-star.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/With-three-Thor-movies-and-three-Avengers-outings-Chris-Hemsworth-is-a-true-Hollywood-star-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/With-three-Thor-movies-and-three-Avengers-outings-Chris-Hemsworth-is-a-true-Hollywood-star-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/With-three-Thor-movies-and-three-Avengers-outings-Chris-Hemsworth-is-a-true-Hollywood-star-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/With-three-Thor-movies-and-three-Avengers-outings-Chris-Hemsworth-is-a-true-Hollywood-star-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" />
Many, though, see the actor as being a little disingenuous. There is, indeed, no real reason for him to hang up his hammer, with every possibility that Thor could return as the elder statesman of the MCU in many instalments yet to come. Even if he doesn’t, Chris Hemsworth has already signed up to take the lead in the reboot of Men in Black, the high-tech alien-hunting comedy franchise. When you have the stature of Hemsworth – both literally and figuratively – there’s always going to be some franchise that wants you on its books.
Text: Tenzing Thondup 
Photos: AFP

Tag: thor

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