Thor's Hemsworth to Play F-1 Racer, James Hunt in Ron Howard flick

Jun 06, 2012 11:30 AM EDT | Brice Smith

Chris Hemsworth seems to be choosy when it comes to picking movie roles in Hollywood. After portraying a hammer-wielding god in international successful movies such as "Thor" and "The Avengers," the Australian-born actor is all set to play a Formula One driver in the upcoming movie 'Rush' directed by Ron Howard. 

Hemsworth will play the role of the former British Formula One driver, James Hunt. in Howard's newest drama.

"For those in America, they may not know the history of Formula One yet that well," Hemsworth said at a fan forum at Wizard Comic Con in Philadelphia. "But the guys who raced in the 1970s were real daredevils and the threat of death on the race course was very real. It is amazing the great ability and athleticism of Formula One drivers and the beauty of the sport, it is easily the most popular sport in Europe and it has been a great project to work on,"

The movie will focus on the fierce rivalry between former British Formula One champions Hunt and Niki Lauda, who  took their competition well beyond the race track and into their personal lives. 

Fans of Formula One racing hope the star power of Hemsworth and Howard will bring a new audience to the sport, which has seen a decline in popularity in the U.S. over the last few years. NASCAR got a boost in the 1990s after the movie "Days of Thunder" staring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman was released.  

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