Luke Hemsworth is stepping into the gritty world of mixed martial arts with his latest film, "Beast," where he portrays Gabriel, a character described as a "dirtbag" with a penchant for questionable fashion choices. In a recent interview, Hemsworth revealed that the character’s less-than-savory persona is, in fact, a reflection of his own willingness to explore the "inner dirtbag" and embrace characters who are "off the leash."
Embracing the "Dirtbag" Persona
When asked about the inspiration behind Gabriel’s decidedly unglamorous appearance, complete with a "dirtbag goatee," Hemsworth chuckled, admitting, "Oh, that’s all me. I’m channeling my inner dirtbag." He elaborated on Gabriel’s character, likening him to a "used car salesman; he looks fair and feels foul." However, he also acknowledged the inherent humanity within such characters, noting, "There are parts of me in him." The actor confessed to wearing his "own snake skin boots for the whole film" and even keeping one of Gabriel’s suits, which he humorously admitted to wearing to a couple of premieres.
The appeal of playing such characters, Hemsworth explained, lies in the freedom they offer. "It is so fun to play characters like him," he stated. "It’s nice to be off the leash, right? It’s nice to have permission to do and say things that give people the ‘ick’." This sentiment suggests a deliberate departure from more conventionally heroic roles, allowing for a deeper exploration of flawed and complex individuals.
A Family Affair: The Hemsworths and MMA
The conversation naturally turned to the Hemsworth family’s well-known passion for mixed martial arts and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Hemsworth confirmed their shared enthusiasm, stating, "We do!" He revealed his personal involvement in martial arts, having trained in boxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and Muay Thai for a considerable time, though he emphasized it’s "nothing professional or anything; I just dabble."
He attributed this lifelong interest to his upbringing. "It was a big part of growing up in my household with my idiot brothers, being able to protect myself from the wild throws and kicks that they’d send my way." The tradition of "UFC Sunday" continues to be a staple in the Hemsworth household. "Every Sunday, I’m usually at either my place, Chris’s place or Liam’s place, and it’s UFC Sunday," he shared. "The kids will come. There’s always a lot of shouting at the TV, and usually we all end up wrestling." He playfully added a jab at his brother Liam, warning, "Liam will tell you he’s never been beaten at wrestling but don’t believe a single word he says!"
Unveiling Hidden Talents and Career Milestones
Beyond his on-screen personas and family traditions, Hemsworth surprised by revealing a secret talent: impressive trampoline skills. "I just landed a front flip on the trampoline the other day, in front of my 14-year-old daughter," he enthused. The reaction from his daughter, who exclaimed, "God, you’re really old, and you’re doing flips!" clearly delighted him, prompting him to retort, "I’m not old. I’m 45, mate!" This lighthearted anecdote highlights a playful side and a dedication to staying active and engaged with his children.
A recurring theme in Hemsworth’s career has been his proximity to acting legend Russell Crowe, with whom he has made three films, yet never shared a scene. "Yeah! Bloody hell. I think I’ve missed out! I don’t think I’m going to get another shot at this!" he exclaimed, expressing a slight regret at the missed opportunity for collaboration. He spoke highly of Crowe, calling him "an icon" and "one of the greatest actors." Hemsworth described Crowe as a "powerhouse on set" and "a force of nature," acknowledging his sometimes "abrasive" nature but emphasizing his positive impact on emerging talent. He cited Crowe’s decisive action in saving jobs during the production of his 2022 film "Poker Face" as a testament to his character and commitment. "The film was here nor there but the fact he recognised a whole lot of people were going to be out of work if he didn’t step up – that’s a rare commitment, and I take my hat off to him."
Navigating the Stigma of a Famous Family Name
The privileges and challenges of being part of a globally recognized family like the Hemsworths were also discussed. Hemsworth candidly admitted that the assumption of an easy career path due to his surname is a misconception. "I think there’s an assumption that life is easy if you have the Hemsworth name, that you’re gonna get roles super easily," he stated. "In my experience, it’s actually been a lot more difficult, and it comes with a stigma."
This perceived stigma, he explained, has necessitated a heightened awareness of his craft and a commitment to thorough preparation. "So I have to be very aware of my craft, making sure I’ve really prepared. That sounds like a no-brainer but I’ve had to really work, really dive deep into that part of my game, you know?" Despite these challenges, he expressed his love for the "beautiful character roles" he has secured.
However, the "baggage" of being a Hemsworth sibling often manifests in humorous ways. "Most of it is, ‘Oh, you’re really short!’" he quipped, a likely reference to the perceived height differences within the family. He recounted an amusing incident at the "Beast" premiere where he was introduced as Liam Hemsworth by actor Rob Carlton, leading to a playful public call-out. "I’m going to call him out! Fuck you, Rob! He came up after and said, ‘I’m so sorry. I had a brain fart.’" This anecdote underscores the constant comparisons and the occasional confusion that arise from being part of such a prominent acting dynasty.
Childhood Fears and Enduring Favorites
Reflecting on his formative years, Hemsworth shared the cinematic experiences that left a lasting impression. "The NeverEnding Story" holds a special place in his heart, being the first VHS he remembers owning. He described watching it "until the tape stopped playing" and vividly recalled the heartbreaking scene with Artax the horse, stating, "To this day, I still remember being very upset about that."
A more terrifying cinematic encounter occurred when he watched "The Exorcist" at around 12 or 14 years old. The film, combined with the "boink" sounds of the wind-buffeted windows in his childhood home, created a deeply unsettling experience. "During The Exorcist, the most terrifying film that I’d ever seen up to that date, the windows are making noises," he recounted, highlighting the power of atmosphere and suggestion in childhood fears.
Interestingly, this childhood fear led to a serendipitous encounter with actress Linda Blair, known for her iconic role in "The Exorcist." Hemsworth discovered her dog rescue foundation in California while looking for a pet. The connection was immediate, with Blair personally inviting him and his daughter Harper to visit. "So my daughter Harper and I went somewhere out in the hills past Los Angeles, and Linda Blair proceeded to bring out about 75 different dogs. We took home the first dog, the one we went out there to see. Her name is Blu, and she’s a California rescue mutt." This heartwarming story illustrates how past experiences can lead to unexpected positive outcomes.
The Wisdom of Icons and the Power of Storytelling
When asked about the best piece of advice he has ever received, Hemsworth recalled a breakfast with Sir Anthony Hopkins. The encounter, which he initially approached with considerable trepidation, yielded a surprisingly blunt but impactful piece of wisdom. Discussing his career aspirations and hesitations about certain projects, Hemsworth recounted Hopkins’ advice: "’Fuck them!’" Hopkins further elaborated, "’Fuck them. Do what you want. Why are you listening to that? Fuck them.’" Hemsworth found this advice to be surprisingly effective, though he admitted it hasn’t "always worked out in my favour." This anecdote underscores the importance of trusting one’s instincts in the face of external pressures.
On the literary front, Hemsworth is an ardent admirer of Pierce Brown’s "Red Rising" series. He described the books as "the most entertaining, inventive sci-fi" and a fascinating exploration of what might have happened "if the Romans expanded into space." He expressed his keen interest in a potential television adaptation, noting that director Francis Lawrence has acquired the rights.
Controversial Opinions and Unconventional Pets
Hemsworth’s approach to controversial opinions is characterized by a playful irreverence, particularly when it comes to generational language. When prompted about his most controversial opinion, he humorously deflected, suggesting his children would be horrified by his use of slang terms like "mogging" and "menty-Bs." He then doubled down on this with a quote from "Dumb and Dumber": "’Senior citizens, although slow and dangerous behind the wheel, can still serve a purpose.’" This lighthearted response suggests a willingness to poke fun at generational divides and embrace a more relaxed attitude towards language.
His fascination with the natural world extends to a desire for unconventional pets. If he could change the size of any animal for companionship, he would choose a "grasshopper that was like 20 foot long." He drew inspiration from the creature designs in the 2010 film "Monsters," which featured giant, menacing insects. This interest in the entomological world is not merely theoretical; he revealed that his initial Instagram account was dedicated to macro photography of bugs, a hobby he hopes to revisit. "That’s my real secret talent: I’m really good at taking macro pictures of bugs," he confessed, adding another layer to his diverse interests and skills.
