As the spotlight shines on the Australian film industry, ABC's "Creative Types with Virginia Trioli" makes its much-anticipated return this week, featuring the iconic director George Miller as its first guest. The episode, airing on April 1, 2025, showcases a unique zoom interview with Hollywood stars Chris Hemsworth and Tilda Swinton, who offer their insights into Miller's remarkable career.
Virginia Trioli expressed her excitement about the new season, stating, "I never tire of being allowed access to the inner sanctum of these wonderful Australian artists. Their generosity and vulnerability with me are a privilege and something I am so happy to share with ABC audiences." She emphasized the relentless drive of artists to create, noting that regardless of personal or professional obstacles, their passion for creativity is inspiring for all.
This episode takes a nostalgic turn as Trioli and Miller embark on a drive through the stunning landscapes of Australia, specifically around the Silverton Hotel, a location that holds special significance for Miller as the filming site of two of his five iconic "Mad Max" films. During this journey, they discuss the profound influence of the Australian landscape on his work, describing it as the "visual rock and roll" of his cinema.
As they visit the Mundi Mundi lookout, where "Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome" was filmed, and the Mad Max Museum filled with memorabilia, Miller reveals that his filmmaking process often begins with daydreaming before he meticulously storyboards every shot. Celebrated cinematographer John Seale adds that Miller's scripts are uniquely visual, allowing audiences to experience the story in a dynamic way.
Hemsworth, who has long admired Miller's work, praises the director for reinventing the action genre, particularly with the critically acclaimed "Fury Road." Miller reflects on his collaborations with notable actors such as Charlize Theron and Jack Nicholson, the latter from their shared project, "The Witches of Eastwick." He explains that while technology in filmmaking continues to evolve, allowing for innovations like making penguins dance in "Happy Feet," his greatest tool remains the "Toybox," which enables him to create animated storyboards in extraordinary detail.
In a light-hearted moment, Hemsworth shares how Miller's directorial style allows actors the freedom to explore their characters, a testament to the trust he builds with his cast. Miller also hints at his ongoing work on another "Mad Max" film, stating that the creative possibilities are still infinite, ensuring that fans of the franchise will have much to look forward to.
Meanwhile, Hemsworth made headlines recently for a different reason. On March 26, 2025, during an appearance on "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert," he shared a humorous anecdote about his encounter with singer Billie Eilish at the Oscars. Hemsworth, who is 41, explained that he took a photograph with Eilish, 23, to impress his children, who are fans of the singer. He jokingly lamented, "I went from work colleague to now like a fan," implying that this moment may have jeopardized any chance of a close friendship with Eilish.
He recounted the moment, saying, "I got a photograph with Billie Eilish at the Oscars. I remember thinking 'Ah, don't do it, don't do it.' The moment I took it, I was like 'I went from work colleague to now like a fan.' We will never be friends, never be best friends." Despite this, Hemsworth acknowledged that he and Eilish do cross paths in the industry.
In contrast to his light-hearted remarks about Eilish, Hemsworth has spoken fondly about his close friendship with fellow actor Matt Damon. He shared that their friendship blossomed early in his career and that he has learned a great deal from observing Damon’s approach to fame and family life. Hemsworth described Damon as a "normal guy who has the movie-star thing figured out," and his wife Elsa Pataky has also expressed admiration for the Damon family.
In the world of cinema, another significant event has unfolded with the release of "Captain America: Brave New World," which has been making waves at the box office. Despite losing over five hundred screens recently, the film has managed to maintain a solid presence in North America, recently surpassing the international earnings of "Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" and the worldwide total of "Eternals." Released on February 14, 2025, the film has been well-received, though it still needs to earn over $450 million to break even.
As of now, "Captain America: Brave New World" has grossed approximately $194.5 million in North America and is projected to cross the $200 million mark soon. The film collected $730K on its seventh Friday, showing only a 35.1% decline from the previous week, despite the loss of theaters. This weekend, it is expected to earn between $2.5 million and $3.5 million.
As the film continues its theatrical run, it is on track to surpass the domestic total of "Thor: The Dark World," which earned $206.36 million in North America during its run. With a global total of $403.76 million, "Captain America: Brave New World" is proving to be a strong contender in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
In a twist of fate, it was revealed that Chris Hemsworth himself competed against ten actors to land the role of Thor, and interestingly, his brother Liam also auditioned for the part. In a candid interview, Chris disclosed that Liam was one of the frontrunners for the role but was deemed too young at the time. Chris remarked, "My little brother almost got cast as Thor. He was one of the first people who got right down to the wire on getting the part." This family connection adds another layer to the Hemsworth legacy in Hollywood.
As the Australian film scene continues to thrive, with innovative directors like George Miller at the helm, and actors like Chris Hemsworth navigating their unique journeys in the industry, audiences can look forward to a wealth of creativity, storytelling, and unforgettable cinematic experiences.
