Chris Hemsworth on How 'LOTR' Started His Love For Fantasy

When we kick back and enjoy a good film, there's a unique enchantment that transports us into a different realm, capturing our imagination and pulling us into a world beyond our own. It's this magical quality that defines exceptional movies, those that effortlessly break through boundaries and leave us yearning to step into their universe. For Hollywood heavyweight Chris Hemsworth, that captivating world is none other than the realm of J.R.R. Tolkien's masterpieces, 'The Lord of the Rings' films.

In a recent chat at the Red Sea International Film Festival, the Aussie actor revealed his childhood fantasy of packing his bags and setting up shop in Middle Earth. Picture a young Chris, all of 12 or 13, completely spellbound by the epic tale unfolding on the screen.

"I remember when I was 12 or 13 and I watched 'The Lord Of The Rings,' at that time I literally wanted to live in Middle-earth. And that’s not as an actor but as a person wanting to experience that world," shared Hemsworth, a touch of nostalgia in his voice.

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While Chris Hemsworth has graced the silver screen with some stellar performances in fantasy and sci-fi flicks, notably in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it's the allure of Middle Earth that tugs at his heartstrings. His portrayal of Thor and other iconic characters in fantastical worlds was a manifestation of a childhood dream.

Delving into his script selection process, Hemsworth shed light on the subconscious influence of his yearning for fantastical realms. Each project chosen echoes the desires of that wide-eyed child within him, eager to be a part of stories that once fueled his imagination. However, the actor admitted that the immersion into these fantastical worlds, both on and off-screen, has its consequences.

"You know, being a part of such stories and seeing the smokes and mirrors through which these are made, my enjoyment for such films has dampened a bit," confessed Hemsworth on the same panel. The actor's journey into the enchanting landscapes of his childhood dreams has come at the price of losing the uninhibited joy of experiencing these tales as a mere spectator.