Our kind of superhero

Being built will get you half the way there. But to be truly great? Follow Thor’s lead for a guide to boasting the full package (not like that)

Inner strength

The biggest killer among men under 40 is suicide. We all need to be talking about this more and Hemsworth is one man pushing the conversation. When filming Thor: Ragnorak in Brisbane the actor was pictured wearing a hoodie promoting the work of LIVIN, a charity working to end the stigma around mental health.

A small but significant gesture, it was said to spike sales at the charity.

Men have for too long suffered under the weight of restrictive stereotypes of what it means to be a man. Thankfully, though, the well-worn image of the ideal man as tough and overtly macho is finally starting to loosen its grip, with Hemsworth among the group offering a new vision of masculinity. After carving a successful lane for himself as a superhero hunk in his Thor roles, Hemsworth took a sharp U-turn in 2016 to play Kevin, the prettybut-dumb receptionist, in the all-female remake of Ghostbusters. Here was a man perfectly content within himself to take risks and be seen outside of the usual ‘tough guy’ persona that appeared preordained for him. With guys like Hemsworth leading the charge, it will hopefully be a matter of time before this becomes the norm rather the exception.

Stay woke

It’s all too common these days to idolise someone in the public eye only to hear them spouting rubbish in an interview, forcing you to question your support. Thankfully you won’t find Hemsworth falling into the same trap. The actor was asked, back in 2016, if he’s a feminist, and his answer was refreshingly assertive: ‘For sure.’ When asked about his support for the Time’s Up movement at the Golden Globes earlier this year, Hemsworth went a step further.

‘We stand for equality. I believe in equality regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, or of political opinion. I believe that we all need to come together in a very compassionate way, and say, “Okay. Let’s even things out and let’s give each other a chance and let’s listen to one another.”’ A leader of men, many have since followed his lead. Be humble

Someone of Hemsworth’s fame could easily let success go to his head. Instead, the Hollywood star employed his two best mates as his trainer and assistant, keeping him grounded in the only way best mates know – constantly taking the piss.

‘We all went to school together and you’d think we’d be sick of each other. It’s the opposite. We’re normally in a line at the airport trying to make each other laugh, calling out loudly, “It’s

Chris Hemsworth!” when he’s got his hat pulled down trying to not be noticed.’