Actress Cate Blanchett became fighting fit for the first time in her life after signing on to star as the villain in Thor: Ragnarok.
The Carol star, who is best known for her dramatic roles, portrays Hela in the new superhero sequel, opposite Chris Hemsworth as the titular Norse god, and the training she had to endure for the part was the toughest she had ever encountered throughout her 25-year career.
“I sort of became fit,” the 48-year-old told Entertainment Tonight. “I got fit for the first time in my life.”
Cate recruited Chris‘ own trainer to help whip her into shape by figuring out an exercise regimen that would work for her, and although the early morning sessions were only short, the Oscar winner was definitely put through her paces.
“It doesn’t sound like a lot but (I worked out) for 20 minutes a day – which it sounds like nothing – but I was exhausted before I even got on set,” she said. “It was an extraordinary opportunity to, you know, finally get fit.”
The new Thor sequel also features a lot of stunt work, and Cate made the most of the opportunity by watching the team and her co-stars in action.
“I learned so much physically from working with those guys,” she shared.
Despite her admiration for her fellow film colleagues, leading man Chris admits he was initially a little intimidated to act opposite the double Oscar winner.
“She scares me off screen,” he confessed to Entertainment Tonight. “The idea of working with Cate Blanchett, it’s Cate Blanchett! The idea of having to hold my own and be worthy to what she’s bringing to the screen is a little scary.”
However, Chris had no reason to worry as he soon discovered Cate was “the warmest, kindest, most open person” on set.
“(She) made me feel like I maybe had some right to be there, you know?” he smiled.
Thor: Ragnarok is directed by Taika Waititi and also stars Mark Ruffalo, Tom Hiddleston, and Jeff Goldblum.
