Hollywood star Chris Hemsworth is making headlines after openly sharing that relocating his family from Los Angeles was the "greatest decision" he's ever made. On the 'SmartLess' podcast, hosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, in an episode aired on February 23, 2026, the 'Thor' actor explained that he and his wife, Elsa Pataky, found themselves "not enjoying" life in L.A. around 2014, due to constant paparazzi and a lack of local filming opportunities. They ultimately settled in Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia.

Hemsworth's comments shed light on a broader trend impacting the entertainment industry's traditional hub. According to FilmLA's Q4 2025 production report, released on January 15, 2026, on-location shoot days in Greater Los Angeles saw a notable decline. Total shoot days for film, television, and commercials in Q4 2025 were down 21% year-over-year compared to Q4 2024. The full year 2025 also concluded with a 16.1% decrease in total on-location production compared to 2024, continuing a downward trajectory that has been observed since 2021.

The actor emphasized his desire for a more genuine and outdoor-focused life for his children, India Rose, Sasha, and Tristan, away from the fast-paced, entertainment-driven atmosphere of Los Angeles. Hemsworth stated that coming home to Australia now "feels like a holiday," a stark contrast to the overwhelming environment he experienced in L.A. Philip Sokoloski, FilmLA's VP of Integrated Communications, acknowledged the disappointing year-end numbers, while CEO Denise Gutches expressed optimism about future initiatives to bring production back.