A real-life hero got the chance to meet his big screen idols when Thor stars Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston surprised patients and their families at Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital.
Calyn Hoad who received a bravery medal in Canberra earlier this year for pushing his younger brother out of the way of an oncoming car in 2013, was one of the 80 children and their families visited by the stars.
Hemsworth, who plays Thor, carried his trademark hammer Mjolnir as he and Hiddleston, who plays Thor’s trickster half-brother and frequent villain Loki, met with the young patients.
Calyn’s mother Sharna Hoad said it was a magical moment for her son, who is back in hospital battling bacterial meningitis.
“It was so awesome. Calyn’s face just lit up. It was just magic, absolute magic,” she said.
“I can’t express it any other way than saying it was magic. What brilliant men to come down.”
Ms Hoad said the pair spent about five minutes with them.
“They did say to my little man ‘hope you get well soon, hope you get better’.
“They weren’t with us they weren’t very long … there were so many other sick kids.”
Hemsworth paid tributes to the young patients he met on social media.
“Met the real superheroes of the world at Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital,” Hemsworth wrote on Instagram this morning.
“A huge shout out to all the brave kids who are an inspiration to all of us!”
Brisbane shoot set to wrap up tomorrow
Sir Anthony Hopkins, who plays Thor’s father Odin in the movie series, joined the cast yesterday on a closed set.
Filming is due to continue today before wrapping up tomorrow.
In July, pop superstar Taylor Swift surprised patients at the hospital when she paid a visit arranged through the Starlight Children’s Foundation of Australia.
Johnny Depp visited in full Captain Jack Sparrow costume and makeup in July 2015 while in Queensland to film the latest instalment in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.
At the time he asked staff to keep the private visit under wraps, but pictures of the star soon leaked on social media.