Freddie Hunt has softened his stance on Chris Hemsworth’s portrayal of his father James Hunt in the 2013 film Rush, admitting he may have been too harsh on the Australian actor in previous criticism.
The son of the 1976 Formula 1 world champion initially took aim at both Hemsworth and director Ron Howard following the film’s release, expressing frustration over what he saw as an inaccurate depiction of his late father’s character and liberties taken with historical events.
In a 2023 podcast interview, the younger Hunt was blunt in his assessment. “Chris Hemsworth’s performance, now I don’t know if I should be upset with Chris or Ron Howard, because he basically played dad like a t***,” he said on the Pitstop Podcast. “And I don’t know if that’s due to his poor acting or if he was directed to play that way.”
Contrasting Approaches to Character Research
Freddie Hunt drew a sharp distinction between Hemsworth’s preparation and that of Daniel Brühl, who portrayed Niki Lauda in the film. “Daniel Bruhl, who played Niki Lauda, did an absolute masterpiece. He actually asked Niki if he could spend some time with him so he could learn his mannerisms and really get to know him,” Hunt explained.
By contrast, he criticized Hemsworth’s approach: “What did Hemsworth do in contrast? F*** all. He didn’t contact the family once.”
Hunt also recounted a tense exchange with director Ron Howard over the film’s departures from historical accuracy. When he questioned why so many elements were altered, Howard’s response left him unimpressed. “He said ‘Ahh the truth was too awesome man. No one would believe it.’ I nearly slapped him,” Hunt recalled.
Despite his criticisms, Hunt acknowledged the film’s commercial success. “The movie was great, you know people like it. But it could have been, if they just stuck to the truth it would have been so much better.”
Seeking Hemsworth’s Perspective
In a more recent interview with The Telegraph, Hunt revealed he has reconsidered his initial assessment and is now attempting to reach out to the Thor actor. “I’ve actually got hold of his PA’s details. Because I’m aware that he’s never had the chance to defend himself,” he said.
Hunt expressed openness to hearing Hemsworth’s side of the story. “I don’t know if he was directed to act that way, or he just chose not to. I mean, I just want to hear his side, you know? If he calls me a ****, that’s fine.”
However, Hunt maintained his position that director Howard took unnecessary liberties with the true story of his father’s fierce rivalry with Lauda during the 1976 season, suggesting the director “buggered about” with the truth in his depiction of the iconic championship battle.
The 2013 film Rush chronicled one of Formula 1’s most dramatic seasons, when James Hunt secured the world championship by a single point over Lauda, who had nearly died in a fiery crash at the Nürburgring earlier that year. The film was a critical and commercial success, though it has remained a source of mixed feelings for the Hunt family.