Chris Hemsworth’s role as Thor within the Marvel Cinematic Universe has given him a reputation almost like his character: indestructibly perfect and borderline immortal. However, Chris Hemsworth is aware that there will be a day when he doesn’t grace the earth with his all-important presence. In collaboration with Disney+, Hemsworth’s new program Limitless, set to release on November 16th, explores longevity through different activities said to provide life-elongating services.

From what can be gathered from the trailer, Hemsworth will put himself through various rigorous tasks including a four-day fast, hanging on a long rope underneath a ski gondola and dunking himself into a freezing cold ocean to attempt to live as long as possible. However, it is unclear whether this will help in the goals of “regenerating damage, maximizing strength, building resilience, shocking the body, supercharging memory and confronting mortality” as is promised on the show’s IMDB page. The purpose seems to be to create as much suspense for the audience as possible without providing them with any actual tips for health and wellness, as well as showcase some of the most beautiful landscapes on earth being violated by film crews and the tide of commercialism.

The introduction of Limitless into Chris Hemsworth’s repertoire only bolsters his ‘strong man’ image. Cultivating a personal brand is central to celebrities’ careers, and this show adds onto the strong fanbase that Hemsworth already has. Limitless fits nicely into the same category of Thor, and creates even more mysticism that the role of Thor instilled in audiences. The program is not doing a service to the public as is portrayed, the program is in fact doing a service to Chris Hemsworth’s image as a whole. People have to make money somehow, but telling people you are going to share tricks to live longer and revealing that the trick is jumping off of a crane is cruel. 

It is unclear what the true purpose of the show is beyond an opportunity for Chris Hemsworth to flex and pose for a limited series. Working with a personalized nutritionist or traveling to participate in a tribal ceremony is not realistic for anyone, and to offer these things as ways to live longer does not actually add anything to the world’s knowledge. It seems more like a documentation of Chris’ own existential crisis than realistic feasible advice for the average person, which is not what anyone is looking for from a program purporting to explore the secrets of living longer and healthier. Upon further analysis, the program is more similar to Les Stroud’s Survivorman than it is medical advice (which is probably better for liability reasons but disappointing to the viewers).

In comparison with what should be provided to the audience based on the subject of the show, what is shown in the trailer of Limitless falls short of what it could be. This is not a how-to guide on living longer for the common man. It is how to mess around, scare the crap out of yourself, model an eating disorder, and act like somehow you’ve survived it all even though you imposed all of it on yourself. While it is good entertainment, it will not tell you the secrets to living your best and longest life; it just serves to just add more money to Chris Hemsworth’s already gigantic wallet. The show has not been released in its entirety yet, but hopefully, there is more substance than has been alluded to.

You’d have to let me know. I won’t be watching.