It was a Marvel moment in more ways than one.
Ed Sheeran and Chris Hemsworth turned Marvel Stadium into their own comic book crossover when they shared a playful arm wrestling match ahead of Sheeran’s “Loop” Tour stop in Melbourne. The singer and the “Thor” star posted a joint video to Instagram recreating a comic-style showdown inspired by original artwork from Australian artist Wayne Nichols, captioning the clip, “Recreating the comic book cover.”
In the video, Hemsworth, 42, and Sheeran, 35, sit across from each other, hands locked and grinning as they battle it out. In the first round, Sheeran appears to surprise the Marvel Cinematic Universe hero with his strength. Laughing, he encourages Hemsworth to “do it properly” as he secures the win. They switch hands for a rematch, and this time Hemsworth pushes back, sending Sheeran sliding in his seat as both burst into laughter.
According to People, the faceoff was inspired by Nichols’ artwork depicting Sheeran armed with his guitar while Hemsworth’s Thor holds Mjölnir, his signature hammer. The illustrated showdown has since been transformed into a four-metre mural displayed at Marvel Stadium during Sheeran’s run, per Variety Australia.
A Comic Book Moment Comes to Life
The official Marvel Australia and New Zealand Instagram account joined in on the fun, commenting “RAGNAROK AND ROLL ⚡️🎸” under the post. The account also shared an image of the mural, writing, “To celebrate Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour kicking off at Marvel Stadium tonight, an amazing mural has landed! Find it on level 1 aisle 3 when Ed takes the stage this weekend‼️ Original art by @waynenichols_artist.”
Nichols also posted a behind-the-scenes video of the design process, describing it as an “epic team-up” between the God of Thunder and the Grammy winner.
The playful moment comes as Sheeran’s “Loop” tour continues across Australia. After kicking off in New Zealand last month, the tour moved through Perth, Sydney and Brisbane before landing in Melbourne and Adelaide.
Inside Sheeran’s Tour Era
Beyond murals and Marvel moments, Sheeran has been making headlines for surprise onstage collaborations. In Perth, he welcomed Wheatus frontman Brendan B. Brown to perform “Teenage Dirtbag.” In Sydney, he joined Beoga during an intimate show to perform “Shape of You” from his 2017 album “÷ (Divide),” which the band helped co-write, per Variety Australia.
Speaking in November 2025 on “Last Meals” on Mythical Kitchen, Sheeran reflected on how touring now fits around his personal life. Per People, the four-time Grammy winner said he enjoys touring and appreciates being able to structure shows around his family. He shares daughters Lyra and Jupiter with wife Cherry Seaborn.
“For me, being at a stage in my career where my family life takes precedent and I can do all that as well — it’s kind of the perfect balance,” Sheeran said.
