'That's actually Chris Hemsworth': Crime 101 writer-director reveals why the Marvel star did all of his own stunts in the new heist thriller movie

• Crime 101 lead Chris Hemsworth did all of his own stunts in his new heist thriller movie
• Writer-director Bart Layton confirmed as much in an exclusive chat with TechRadar
• A behind-the-scenes featurette also showcases Hemsworth's stunt driving prowess

It turns out Chris Hemsworth is worthy of being an expert stuntperson as much as he is an Asgardian superhero, documentarian, and A-list actor.

Indeed, in his latest movie, a heist thriller titled Crime 101, the established Marvel actor was determined to perform all of his own car-based stunts. And, in an exclusive chat with TechRadar, writer-director Bart Layton confirmed Hemsworth is really behind the wheel of the film's pulsating action set-pieces.

In one of February 2026's new movies, Hemsworth plays Mike Davis, a jewellery thief with a mysterious past. Like any criminal worth their weight in gold, Davis always has an exit – and, the vast majority of the time, that means escaping in a souped-up vehicle.

Crime 101 | Thrill of the Chase - Featurette - YouTube

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As the above featurette – which validates Layton's comments about Hemsworth's commitment to the role – reveals, Davis has a number of powerful and speedy cars to get out of a tight spot, too. From a Chrysler 300 and a Dodge Challenger, to a gorgeous-looking 1968 dark green Camaro and Cadillac CT5-V, he's nothing if not prepared for every job he tackles.

Nonetheless, stunt work is perilous at the best of times. As such, studios are always concerned that actors could be seriously injured – or worse – if they perform their own stunts.

It's surprising to hear, then, that Hemsworth was allowed to take part in Crime 101's adrenaline-fuelled chase sequences. But, as Layton told me, the Thor superstar wasn't going to take no for an answer.

"When you see Chris, or what looks like Chris in a car going 80mph (128kph) through downtown Los Angeles, that's actually him," Layton said. "He's truly behind the wheel.

"And that's mind-blowing to me," Layton continued. "If you look at what [director] Billy Friedkin did with the chase sequences in The French Connection, and then in To Live and Die in L.A, there's a danger, unpredictability, and rawness to those sequences. They could get away with life-threatening stunts back then, but no-one would let you do that now.

"But, I still wanted a sense of that [chaos and threat] in our film," he added. "Davis isn't operating at an infallible, James Bond-style level. He's more like you and me, so he's going to be a messy driver if the adrenaline is pumping and he's fearing for his life. And, really, the only way to show that is by shooting things as practically as possible. You can do incredible things with visual effects, but not with something like this."

Produced by Amazon MGM Studios and Sony Pictures, Crime 101 will put pedal to the metal and thunder into theaters worldwide on Friday, February 13. Before it does, find out what Layton considered to be the "biggest creative challenge" he dealt with on Crime 101. Outside of its rubber-burning action sequences, anyway.

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