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Chris Hemsworth is diving into National Geographic’s Sharkfest.
The Avengers star will headline a special for the 2021 edition of the summer programming block on Nat Geo, in a bit of Disney synergy (both Marvel and Nat Geo are part of the conglomerate). Shark Beach will see Hemsworth consulting with marine biologists, surfers, conservationists and shark advocates in his native Australia to uncover the reasons behind increased numbers of shark attacks in his homeland in recent years and trying to figure out how humans and sharks can coexist.
“I’ve spent a great deal of my life near or in the ocean, sharing the same backyard with sharks, and recently there’s been some growing concern regarding an increase in shark activity,” said Hemsworth. “It’s crucial that we both revere and respect sharks. Our oceans depend on these apex predators for a biodiverse ecosystem; however, we must also learn how to protect ourselves, and that’s my main objective in Shark Beach.”
In the special, Hemsworth will dive with different shark species to understand their behaviors; join local biologists to explore preventative measures to stave off shark-human encounters; and showcase innovations in technology designed to protect both sharks and people.
“Sharkfest has become the port of call for A-list scientists and filmmakers who share our passion for sharks and the health of the planet’s oceans. In success, we’re also drawing in celebrity thought leaders who have the power to raise awareness and impact behavior through their incredible social platforms,” sad Geoff Daniels, executive vp global unscripted entertainment at National Geographic. “That’s why I couldn’t be more excited about Shark Beach and our latest collaboration with Chris Hemsworth. He’s a fearless defender of nature with a proven commitment to conservation and has an unrivaled willingness to do whatever it takes to help protect sharks for generations to come.”
Shark Beach is produced by Nutopia (The World According to Jeff Goldblum, One Strange Rock). Hemsworth and Ben Grayson executive produce with Nutopia’s Jane Root, Arif Nurmohamed and Mark Hedgecoe and Nat Geo’s Tracy Rudolph Jackson.
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