Chris Hemsworth decided to star in 'Rush' to take a break from fantasy films.
The 'Thor' and 'Avengers' actor is best known for playing the hammer-wielding superhero, but felt it was time to take on a more challenging character-driven role, which led to him accepting a part in the new Ron Howard-directed movie.
He said: "The focus was certainly to do something character based and rooted in reality. I love the fantasy world that I was working in for 'Thor' and 'Snow White and the Huntsman' but, you know, I had it in spades. So something like this was essential, just for my own personal growth.
"When 'Rush' came along, it ticked every box from working with one of my favourite directors to a story that instantly fascinated me."
In the Formula One biopic, Hemsworth plays superstar race car driver James Hunt, whose rivalry with fellow driver Niki Lauda - played by Daniel Bruhl - gripped racing fans.
He added to Total Film magazine: "You have this incredibly exciting backdrop of F1 and the sexiness and excitement of the '70s, but with a beautiful character story at the centre of it."
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