Chris Hemsworth has revealed that the first season of his National Geographic series Limitless “almost killed” him, as he launched the second instalment, Limitless: Live Better Now, at its London premiere. The Australian actor, best known for portraying Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, hosted the screening at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on Wednesday evening. He was joined on the red carpet by his wife Elsa Pataky, their twin sons Tristan and Sasha, his parents Leonie and Craig Hemsworth, as well as his brother Liam and partner Gabriella Brooks.
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In this new series, Hemsworth again puts himself through extreme mental and physical trials in pursuit of longevity and wellbeing. The challenges this time include scaling a 600-foot frozen wall in the Swiss Alps, training with South Korea’s elite special forces, and even drumming on stage at an Ed Sheeran concert. Speaking during a post-screening panel discussion, the 41-year-old actor admitted the first season had taken a significant emotional and physical toll. “Each time I overcame one of the challenges, there was this sort of kick of elation and endorphins… a sense of achievement,” he explained.
Despite the demands, Hemsworth said the positive impact on viewers inspired his return. He recalled classmates of his children approaching him to share how the series had resonated with them and their families. “The spectrum of different age groups, countries and demographics who had received some sort of knowledge and new direction to pursue a better journey – that was the motivator,” he said. “We asked, if we were to do a second season, what would we explore? What new science was available, and what could we expand upon?”
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Having described himself as “the guinea pig” in season one, Hemsworth said he took a more hands-on role this time around, shaping the narrative in alignment with his personal curiosities. “This was more experiential journalism,” he noted, adding that the challenges in season two were tailored to his interests in science and personal development. With the help of doctors, neuroscientists, MMA fighters and other experts across six countries, Hemsworth explored topics such as memory, fear, pain and cognitive decline. Still, the intensity remained unchanged. “Throughout the second season I kept asking myself, ‘what the hell am I doing?’” he joked.
