Chris Hemsworth's Back Injury on 'Avengers' Set; What Happened?

Chris Hemsworth's transformation into Thor for the Marvel films was a challenging process. The costume, weighing over 70 pounds and featuring silicone sleeves, was not only heavy but also extremely hot.

Despite the discomfort, Hemsworth humorously noted that his wife and friends seemed to show more affection towards him in the bulky outfit compared to his regular bodybuilder physique. The costume's weight caused Hemsworth to experience backaches, which concerned the Russo brothers, directors of the Avengers films.

They revealed in an interview with Business Insider that Hemsworth began feeling the physical strain after wearing the costume multiple times.

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This presented a challenge during filming, as they needed to ensure Hemsworth's comfort and health while maintaining Thor's consistent appearance. Hemsworth's commitment to the role is evident as he endured physical discomfort to portray the iconic character on screen.

The directors explained that Hemsworth had to wear a bodysuit for his character Thor. This was because, in addition to filming ‘Endgame’, which featured a heavier Thor, they also needed to shoot additional scenes for ‘Infinity War’. As a result, Hemsworth frequently alternated between the two distinct looks. The directors noticed that the weight of the bodysuit began affecting Hemsworth's back.

Given the physical demands of his role as the God of Thunder, this was particularly concerning. Despite these challenges, Hemsworth endured the discomfort of maintaining continuity in Thor's appearance.

While the suit did not injure Hemsworth, it posed a significant risk. Any injury would have delayed the tightly scheduled filming, where Thor played a major role. Additionally, Anthony Russo mentioned that a silicone fat suit would exacerbate perspiration, especially since many scenes were shot in Georgia during the summer.

Eventually, in ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ (2022), Thor lost weight during a training montage at the start of the film. Despite being a superhero, maintaining an extraordinary physique still requires hard work, highlighting the less glamorous side of being a Superman.

–Farheen Ali