Chris Hemsworth and Sam Hargrave in Manila: a glimpse into his latest Netflix film ‘Extraction 2’

Extraction 2 is expected to be more exciting than its prequel with “more variables and elevated risks” as well, according to the lead actor. “[There were scenes where] I was on top of the train. The train was moving at about 40-50 miles an hour. It’s snowing and there’s a helicopter about 20 feet in front of me flying backwards,” Hemsworth says, kidding that it was part of Tyler Rake’s normal day.

“We pushed the envelope. I think watching Chris put himself on the line day after day, like lighting himself on fire for all of you,” Hargrave says. “One of the craziest things we did on extraction two was land a helicopter on a moving train. That was probably the most difficult shot for me because I was operating the camera. If you have been under a helicopter trying to keep itself off the ground, [you realise that] there’s a lot of force that allows that to fly. And walking under [the helicopter], that’s like walking into a hurricane. So to walk along beside it close enough where I could reach out to the pilot was difficult,” the director narrates. Hemsworth was also put on fire, literally, eight times while filming this movie. “We have this flammable liquid over my jacket. By the end of the sequence, I think I kick a few guys. The instruction was if the fire’s not out then just put it out yourself. Oh, great responsibility, ‘be lit on fire and have to put it out’,” the action star laughs. 

Since the film promises a more intense plot than its predecessor, Hemsworth reveals he had to prepare a lot for the role. Talking about how important it was to familiarise himself with learning the routine, the steps and the fight choreography, the actor says, “Each time is like starting again. It takes a certain amount of athleticism. So I have to come into this film physically prepared in a different way than before. For Thor, it was more aesthetic and about muscle-building, looking bigger and so on, but it wasn’t overly functional. Whereas for this film, it was about stripping a lot of that down, being able to move more and have more flexibility and functionality”.

But just as tough as Tyler Rake appears, Hemsworth claims he also has a soft spot. “There’s pain and struggle [in the story] and we all experience that in different shapes and forms. I think the vulnerability to the character, which is buried deep underneath the sort of tough exterior is ultimately what people will empathise and connect with,” he explains. 

The film is produced by Joe and Anthony Russo's AGBO while Joe penned the screenplay. This sequel is based on the graphic novel Ciudad by Ande Parks, featuring a story co-authored by Ande Parks, Joe Russo, and Anthony Russo, with illustrations by Fernando León González. Golshifteh Farahani returns to her original role, joined by Adam Bessa, Olga Kurylenko, Daniel Bernhardt, and Tinatin Dalakishvili in the supporting cast. Extraction 2 premieres on June 16 on Netflix. 

NOW READ

9 Most Anticipated Movie Sequels of 2023

9 Films Where Directors Starred in Their Own Films

That's A Wrap: Set Items Actors Have Taken Home