Extraction 3 Wraps in Thailand as Hemsworth Celebrates Milestone
Chris Hemsworth has officially wrapped production on Extraction 3, the third installment of Netflix’s hit action franchise, after a months-long shoot that concluded in Thailand. The actor shared a series of personal photos from his time abroad, offering fans a glimpse of his weekends exploring Thai landmarks and spending time with his children. He credited photographer Evan Paterakis for the images, which were posted to X (formerly Twitter).
Principal photography for the sequel began in July 2026 across Sydney, Wollongong, and various European locations before moving to Thailand for the final leg. The production was expected to wrap around early October, with Fraser Taggart serving as cinematographer. While no release date has been announced, the completed shoot positions the film for a potential mid-2027 launch window.
A Surprise Visit from Muay Thai Royalty
Filming may have been the primary focus, but Hemsworth’s time in Thailand also produced a headline-grabbing encounter. Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon, the former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion and one of the most recognizable fighters in the sport, visited the Extraction 3 set in Ratchaburi. Hemsworth shared his reaction on Instagram, writing, “Honoured to have Muay Thai legend Rodtang Jitmuangnon visit us on the Extraction 3 set today! All class, absolute champion. Thanks for the personalised gloves, straight to the trophy room!”
The meeting carried extra significance: when Rodtang’s scheduled bout against Nong-O Hama was cancelled last November due to illness, Hemsworth had sent the fighter a video message of support. Rodtang reciprocated the admiration in his own Instagram post, saying, “Thank you for the opportunity to meet you, my brother. I will always love and respect you.” The exchange, which included a hug and a laugh captured on video, suggests a genuine friendship has formed between the Hollywood star and the Thai megastar.
A Cross-Promotion of Combat and Cinema
Woolliss Trains Hemsworth in the Ring
The set visit was not the only intersection of Hollywood and Muay Thai. British striker Ben Woolliss, 32, met Hemsworth at a gym and held pads for the actor, putting him through a session focused on kicks, knees, and combinations. Woolliss later posted about the experience, praising Hemsworth’s power and the quality of the training. The session highlighted Hemsworth’s ongoing commitment to physical preparation, a hallmark of his career that has seen him embody roles from Thor to the mercenary Tyler Rake.
For Rodtang, the visit comes as he prepares for his 2026-27 ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix quarterfinal against Nong-O Hama at The Inner Circle 38 on Friday, November 13. With a career record of 274-44 and a 17-3 slate in ONE Championship, Rodtang remains the face of Muay Thai worldwide. The crossover with Hemsworth, one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood, offers both men a chance to expand their audiences—a synergy that benefits Netflix’s action brand and ONE Championship’s global reach.
Context: A Franchise Built on Physicality and Star Power
Extraction 3 continues the story of Tyler Rake, a former Australian special forces operator turned mercenary, based on the graphic novel Ciudad. Sam Hargrave returns to direct from a screenplay by Joe Russo and David Weil. The cast includes returning stars Golshifteh Farahani and Idris Elba, alongside newcomers Don Lee, Joe Taslim, Chi Lewis-Parry, Siena Agudong, and Pierce Brosnan, whose addition generated significant attention when announced in August 2026. Hemsworth produces alongside the Russo Brothers through their AGBO banner, with Wild State and T.G.I.M. Films also producing.
The franchise has become one of Netflix’s most successful action properties, and the third installment’s Thai shoot underscores the streamer’s investment in globe-trotting productions. Hemsworth’s willingness to engage with local culture—whether through Muay Thai training or set visits from fighting legends—adds authentic texture to the film’s marketing narrative.
Hemsworth’s Enduring Star Power
Hemsworth’s career has long been defined by extreme physical transformation. From his breakout as Thor in 2011 to his role in Ron Howard’s In the Heart of the Sea (2015), which he described as “brutal” and “not fun” due to the grueling water-tank shoots, he has consistently pushed his body to its limits. That dedication remains central to his appeal, and his Extraction character—a battle-worn mercenary—allows him to channel that intensity into a more grounded, visceral setting.
Off-screen, Hemsworth’s family remains a big part of his life. His brother Luke Hemsworth, 45, recently spoke to GQ about training alongside Chris and Liam in Byron Bay, noting their competitive group workouts and Muay Thai sessions. “We’re connecting, and we’re learning how to take a punch and take a kick,” Luke said. “It creates camaraderie.” The brothers’ shared commitment to fitness and martial arts reinforces the authenticity behind Chris’s on-screen action credentials.
Perspective: A Blueprint for Cross-Industry Collaboration
The Hemsworth-Rodtang meeting is more than a photo op; it reflects a broader trend of convergence between Hollywood and combat sports. As streaming platforms vie for attention, stars like Hemsworth can leverage niche audiences—Muay Thai fans, in this case—while fighters gain mainstream exposure. The mutual respect displayed on social media amplifies both brands without feeling forced.
For Netflix, the timing is ideal: with Extraction 3 now in post-production, the buzz around Hemsworth’s Thai adventures keeps the film in the conversation. For ONE Championship, the association with a global movie star adds luster to Rodtang’s upcoming Grand Prix bout. And for fans, the prospect of seeing Hemsworth’s training translate to the screen—perhaps with a Muay Thai-influenced fight scene—only heightens anticipation.
As Hemsworth transitions from set to post-production, the question remains whether Extraction 3 can surpass its predecessors. If the actor’s dedication in the gym and his genuine engagement with the martial arts community are any indication, the franchise’s future looks as powerful as ever.
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