Chris Hemsworth opens up about what it takes for him to stay grounded in his cover story with Vanity Fair

Chris Hemsworth on Staying Grounded: Hollywood Is 'Set Up to Turn You into a Complete Narcissist'

Chris Hemsworth is determined not to let his movie star status change him for the worst.

The Into the Heart of the Sea actor opened up about the importance of staying grounded in an industry he says is “set up to turn you into a complete narcissist” in his December cover story with Vanity Fair.

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After cementing his Hollywood superstardom helming a major action franchise in Thor, working with a slew of A-list directors including two projects with Ron Howard, hosting Saturday Night Live and of course, gracing PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive cover – carving out a “normal” life in Los Angeles has become all but impossible.

“You just kind of lose touch with reality a bit here,” Hemsworth explains. “You drive down the street and you’re constantly reminded of everything you’re either involved in or not involved in. It’s exhausting.”

So in an effort to escape the billboards and paparazzi, Hemsworth recently moved his wife, Elsa Pataky, and their three children: India Rose, 3, and twins Tristan and Sasha, 1, from Malibu to his native Australia. They settled in quiet Byron Bay, New South Wales, located between Sydney and Brisbane.

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Despite fleeing the commotion of tinseltown, Hemsworth jokes “But I’m not complaining!” in regard to the attention. Instead, he quotes his brother Liam’s friend and costar, Jennifer Lawrence, on the subject: “What was it that Jennifer Lawrence said? ‘I know everyone says you’re not supposed to complain about the paparazzi. Well, I don’t give a s—. I’m f—— complaining!’ ”

Having the freedom to choose his own projects while he remains in the limelight as Thor has also helped Hemsworth stay true to himself. “Being part of a franchise like The Avengers is the dream scenario,” he explains. “I’ve got this thing that’s going to keep me relevant, and I can still explore other things in between, do a few films no one cares about.”

For now those projects include playing the male eye candy in the all female Ghostbusters reboot, and an adaption of Steve Earle’s novel about Hank Williams’ fictional morphine doctor, in which he’s set to star and produce.