Hemsworth Production House Wild State Has Ceased Operations
The media firm founded by Chris Hemsworth in 2022 is closing after four years of production.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Chris Hemsworth's production company Wild State has ceased operations after four years in business. The firm, which maintained an office in Santa Monica, California, confirmed the closure following a difficult period for the company.
Why it matters
The shutdown impacts the future of multiple projects developed under the banner, including the Extraction franchise and Crime 101. The closure follows the recent expiration of a production partnership with Artists Equity in 2025.
The production company operated for 4 years following its 2022 founding, with staff members receiving notice that their compensation will continue through December 31, 2026. The firm previously collaborated on projects like the series Limitless and the film Crime 101.
The players
Chris Hemsworth
An actor and producer who founded Wild State in 2022 to develop film and television content.
Ben Grayson
A co-founder who established Wild State alongside Chris Hemsworth to manage media production assets.
Artists Equity
A production entity that maintained a strategic partnership with Wild State from 2023 until 2025.
The details
Company leadership, including Hemsworth's agent and lawyer, personally informed staff of the decision to shutter operations. While the company's website now displays an expired notice, current employees remain on the payroll for the remainder of 2026. This move leaves the long-term production pipeline for previously developed series and films in a state of uncertainty.
Timeline
The company was founded by Chris Hemsworth and Ben Grayson in 2022.
A partnership between Wild State and Artists Equity expired in 2025.
Operations officially ceased in September 2026.
Staff compensation is scheduled to end on December 31, 2026.
Market Landscape
The closure follows the 2025 expiration of the company's key partnership with Artists Equity. This transition reflects the volatility often seen in independent production houses as they navigate the expiration of multi-year development agreements.
Operators managing partnerships should note the operational risks associated with expiring collaborative agreements. Ensure that all contractual obligations regarding staff termination and project handovers are clearly documented to manage end-of-lifecycle transitions.
The takeaway
The end of Wild State highlights the importance of liquidity and staff transition planning during firm liquidations. Operators should track their own contractual sunset clauses and ensure payroll obligations are clearly outlined for any future restructuring events.
Further reading
For more on industry shifts, visit our Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by IF Magazine.
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