Trigger the Body, Not Just the Brain
We were briefed by Nutopia to create a VR simulation so lifelike it could spark a real biological response. The stunt? A death-defying crane walk high above a Sydney skyline. Using a drone scan of the city, full-body tracking, and live biometric monitoring, we built a VR environment that tricked Chris’s nervous system into believing it was real - even though he was standing just inches off the ground.
Heart Rate Meets Headset
Working with HTC, we combined a Vive Pro 2 headset with advanced hand and foot trackers to achieve true body presence. Chris’s virtual body matched his real one, down to height and stride. A live feed of heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure revealed the impact: spikes in stress, changes in breath, and a clear physiological response to virtual fear. For added realism, the virtual plank was perfectly mapped to a physical one underfoot.
From Simulation to Storytelling
The VR sequence became a central moment in Limitless’s opening episode, Stress-Proof, where Chris works with psychologist Dr. Modupe Akinola to manage stress in real time. The simulation culminated in a practical exercise in breath control, helping Chris regain composure - and helping viewers understand the science behind it. We also adapted the experience for the New York premiere, allowing guests to step into Chris’s shoes via a Meta Quest 2 version.
An International Showcase of VR Capability
This wasn’t just a high-profile build - it was a benchmark moment. The project proved that VR could move beyond gaming or marketing to become a functional storytelling tool in prestige television. Created by Catalyst led concepting, build, testing and on-site install, collaborating closely with Nutopia, National Geographic and Disney+. It’s a project that brought together science, spectacle, and storytelling - and it shows what’s possible when immersive tech meets fearless content.
Limitless with Chris Hemsworth
Created for the debut episode of Disney+ docuseries Limitless, this hyper-realistic VR experience dropped Chris Hemsworth onto a digital plank 80 storeys above Sydney. Designed to simulate acute stress and fight-or-flight, the experience fused biomechanics, storytelling and XR tech to help Chris confront his fear of heights - and give the audience a front-row seat to it.
Category
MOTIONplay
Year
2023
Client
Nutopia
View project
