Keen surfer Chris Hemsworth to front National Geographic’s Shark Beach series

Chris Hemsworth’s next co-star will be one of the scariest beasts in the animal kingdom.

The megastar will face down a classic Australian fear as he joins National Geographic’s Sharkfest, diving with different species to understand their habits.

Shooting in Australia, Hemsworth will be part of a special that will focus on shark conservation and how surfers like himself can protect themselves as they enjoy the famous Aussie coastline.

The Hollywood Reporter has reported a 2021 release date for the series, titled Shark Beach, and say the special will see Hemsworth discuss the increasing number of shark attacks in Australia with marine biologists, local surfers and shark advocates.

“I’ve spent a great deal of my life near or in the ocean, sharing the same backyard with sharks, and recently there’s been some growing concern regarding an increase in shark activity,” Hemsworth said.

“It’s crucial that we both revere and respect sharks. Our oceans depend on these apex predators for a biodiverse ecosystem; however, we must also learn how to protect ourselves, and that’s my main objective in Shark Beach.”

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It comes just days after Phil Mummert was mauled by a shark at Bunker Bay in WA.

Mummert, aged in his 20s, suffered leg injuries in the attack and photos showed his surfboard with huge bite marks.

The government said a four-metre white shark is believed to be responsible.

Last week legendary Australian surfer Mick Fanning revealed that he still suffers from flashbacks of his terrifying, world headline-making encounter with a great white shark.

Fanning was competing at the J-Bay Open at Jeffrey’s Bay in South Africa on July 19, 2015 when, just minutes into his heat, the three-time world champion was forced to punch the ocean predator and flee back to shore.

The 39-year-old returned to competition not long after, finishing second in the championship standings that year behind Adriano de Souza.

But he says the life or death struggle had stayed with him.

“As a surfer you have that (sharks) in the back of your mind but you never think it’s going to happen to you,” he told 7NEWS, having fought the shark off.

“I consider myself extremely lucky.

“I still have flashbacks of coming up (for air) and I hear the splashes.”