Action movies often give the impression that stars do all their own stunts for realism. But in reality, many top Hollywood actors rely on professional stunt doubles for the most dangerous scenes. This helps keep everyone safe and ensures filming stays on track. This article highlights actors who openly acknowledge using these skilled professionals when things get physically challenging.
Danny Trejo
Throughout his long career, Danny Trejo has consistently championed the use of stunt doubles. He believes it’s irresponsible for actors to risk injury and potentially halt a production, costing jobs for many crew members. This sensible approach has allowed Trejo to stay consistently working on films like ‘Machete’ and ‘From Dusk Till Dawn’ without needing extended breaks. He sees stunt work as a skilled profession best left to trained professionals and remains dedicated to ensuring safety on film sets.
Samuel L. Jackson
Samuel L. Jackson is a hugely successful actor, but he typically lets professionals handle the physically demanding parts of his roles, like fight scenes and falls. He’s explained that he prefers to stick to what he’s good at and leave the stunts to experts. Throughout his time playing Nick Fury in the Marvel movies, he’s consistently used stunt doubles for the most challenging action. Jackson respects the skills of stunt performers and believes his focus should be on acting and delivering his lines, a strategy that has benefited him throughout his long and varied career.
Liam Neeson
Liam Neeson surprisingly became known for action movies later in his career, starting with the popular ‘Taken’ films. Although he does a lot of the fighting himself, he works with stunt coordinator Mark Vanselow for particularly risky falls and impacts. Neeson emphasizes that he’s an actor, not a stunt performer, and leaves the most dangerous work to experts. They’ve collaborated on over a dozen movies, like ‘Cold Pursuit’ and ‘The Commuter,’ always prioritizing safety. Neeson remains committed to his work but recognizes the physical challenges of performing intense action scenes.
Ryan Reynolds
After a neck injury while filming ‘Safe House’, Ryan Reynolds stopped doing his own stunts. He realized the physical strain was too risky and could affect his career. For the ‘Deadpool’ movies, he now collaborates with skilled acrobats and fighters to handle the action sequences. This allows him to concentrate on the humor and personality of his characters without sacrificing the quality of the action. He frequently acknowledges the courage and expertise of his stunt team online.
Jennifer Lawrence
While Jennifer Lawrence did some of her own stunts for ‘The Hunger Games,’ like archery and climbing, she usually relies on professional stunt doubles for dangerous scenes. She’s openly said she isn’t naturally coordinated and appreciates the safety they provide. During filming of ‘Red Sparrow,’ she used doubles for the most demanding physical scenes to prevent injuries. Lawrence believes stunt performers are essential to filmmaking, helping to bring stories to life and allowing her to focus on portraying her characters’ emotions. She leaves the physical risks to the experts.
Mark Wahlberg
Mark Wahlberg is famous for being incredibly fit, but he often lets professionals handle the really risky stunts in his movies. While filming the ‘Transformers’ films, he used a stunt double for dangerous scenes involving heights and speed. Wahlberg explains that, as both a father and a producer, he prioritizes keeping the film on schedule and avoiding accidents. In ‘Uncharted,’ he collaborated with experts to create exciting action sequences while ensuring his own safety. This sensible approach has allowed him to consistently star in big-budget action films.
Robert Downey Jr.
Okay, so we all know Robert Downey Jr. was Iron Man for over ten years, but what a lot of people don’t realize is just how much of that iconic performance wasn’t actually him. He did the basics, sure, but all the really complicated stuff – the flying, the intense fight choreography – that was largely handled by his incredible stunt doubles. He’s been really upfront about it, admitting the role was physically demanding and he needed the pros to help. It wasn’t just Iron Man either; even in his ‘Sherlock Holmes’ movies, he used doubles for the bigger, more chaotic action sequences. Honestly, I really respect Downey Jr. for always giving credit where it’s due – he consistently shines a light on the amazing work of his stunt team, and that’s something special in this industry.
Chris Pratt
While Chris Pratt got into amazing shape for ‘Guardians of the Galaxy,’ he still works closely with his stunt double, Tony McFarr, for many of the action scenes. Pratt has shared photos of them collaborating to bring the character of Star-Lord to life. He’s also noted that stunt performers are vital for the energetic sequences in ‘Jurassic World’. Pratt feels a strong partnership between an actor and their double is key to making a great action movie, allowing him to focus on delivering a compelling performance without becoming physically drained.
Scarlett Johansson
For years, Scarlett Johansson portrayed the athletic Black Widow, and frequently worked with stunt double Heidi Moneymaker. They built a strong working relationship to create a consistent look for the character’s movements throughout the films. While Johansson trained in fighting, Moneymaker performed the most dangerous stunts, like flips and falls. This teamwork was especially noticeable in the movie ‘Black Widow,’ which featured particularly complex action sequences. Johansson has often spoken out about the need to give stunt performers more credit and recognition at award shows.
Chris Hemsworth
While Chris Hemsworth appears to do many of his own stunts in movies like ‘Thor’ and ‘Extraction’, he actually relies on his stunt double, Bobby Holland Hanton, for the most difficult and dangerous scenes. Hanton stays in incredible shape to match Hemsworth’s physique and handles complex wire work and explosive sequences. Hemsworth trusts Hanton’s professional expertise to safely perform these demanding stunts, allowing him to maintain a busy filming schedule across various projects. This collaborative approach ensures both the actor’s well-being and the quality of the action.
Will Smith
Will Smith is known for his action movies, but for the most risky scenes, he’s always relied on professional stunt performers. During films like ‘Gemini Man’ and ‘Bad Boys for Life,’ these skilled doubles handled dangerous car chases and fight sequences. Smith admits today’s action films demand a level of specialized skill he doesn’t have, and he greatly respects the work of stunt professionals, often highlighting them in his publicity. This allows him to stay fit and continue taking on physically demanding roles throughout his long career.
Gal Gadot
Gal Gadot’s portrayal of Wonder Woman combined her own athleticism with the expertise of skilled stunt performers. When she was pregnant during reshoots for her Wonder Woman films, stunt doubles became even more crucial. Gadot often acknowledges her stunt team, praising their ability to create the illusion of a powerful goddess on screen. Even in films like ‘Red Notice,’ she relies on professionals to handle challenging fight scenes and dangerous stunts. Gadot understands that the safety of everyone on set depends on the talent and dedication of these professionals.
Margot Robbie
I’ve always been impressed by Margot Robbie’s dedication to her roles! I know she did a lot of her own skating in ‘I, Tonya,’ which is amazing. But for really intense action, like when she’s Harley Quinn in ‘The Suicide Squad,’ she works with incredible stunt doubles, especially Ingrid Kleinig, to nail those signature acrobatic moves. She’s said she loves the physical side of acting, but she’s smart enough to know when to let the professionals take over, which is great because it keeps the action looking fantastic. Honestly, her doubles are a huge reason why her action scenes are so fluid and chaotic – they really help bring those iconic roles to life!
Hugh Jackman
As a huge fan of Hugh Jackman, I’ve always been amazed by his dedication to Wolverine. He played the character for seventeen years and really pushed his body to the limit! But what I didn’t fully realize is how much he relied on incredibly talented stunt doubles, like Richard Bradshaw, to handle the really dangerous stuff. Over the years, he’s had a few minor injuries, and he smartly recognized he needed that professional help to keep playing the role convincingly. Even in something totally different like ‘The Greatest Showman,’ he used doubles for those breathtaking aerial scenes. It’s awesome that he’s such a big supporter of the stunt community – they truly deserve the recognition for everything they do to make movies amazing!
Henry Cavill
I’ve always admired Henry Cavill’s dedication, and it’s interesting to learn how he approaches action scenes. He definitely puts in the work – he trained so hard for roles like Superman and Geralt of Rivia! But he’s also smart about it. For things like the complex wire work for flying, or really dangerous stunts, he trusts the professionals. He knows his main job is to bring the character to life, and letting the stunt team handle the most risky stuff keeps everyone safe while still delivering amazing action. That’s why he’s become such a respected and dependable actor – he’s willing to do a lot himself, but he also knows when to rely on the experts.
Ben Affleck
Ben Affleck relied on professional stunt performers for the demanding fight scenes in both ‘Batman v Superman’ and ‘The Accountant’. He’s acknowledged the Batman suit and intense action were best handled by experts, and he used doubles for difficult combat in ‘The Accountant’ as well. Affleck appreciates how stunt performers improve efficiency and, more importantly, keep him and other actors safe. Because he balances directing and acting, he generally prefers to let his skilled stunt team handle the physically risky parts of his roles.
Matt Damon
Matt Damon revolutionized action movies with the ‘Jason Bourne’ films, known for their raw and believable fight scenes. Though he trained hard for the role, he relied on professional stunt teams for the riskiest stunts, like the car chases and rooftop jumps in ‘The Bourne Ultimatum.’ Damon feels this is acceptable because audiences prioritize a convincing performance, and using stunt doubles doesn’t take away from his overall work. This practical approach has helped him deliver some of the most celebrated action sequences in recent years.
Harrison Ford
Harrison Ford is famous for playing iconic characters like Indiana Jones and Han Solo, but he’s always been practical about what his body can do. While known for his tough-guy image, he’s consistently used stunt doubles throughout his career for the most dangerous scenes – everything from big falls to intense fights. Even while filming ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,’ he depended on a team of skilled professionals to keep the character’s energy high. Ford often makes light of his on-set injuries, recognizing how important it is to have experienced stunt performers to keep him safe. His long and successful career proves that knowing when to ask for help is a smart move.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Schwarzenegger achieved international fame thanks to his impressive physique, but he consistently used stunt doubles in his films. Throughout his career, from movies like ‘The Terminator’ to ‘True Lies,’ he worked with skilled performers such as Peter Kent, who were similar in build. Schwarzenegger quickly realized that even a minor injury could halt a costly movie production. Even when he was at the height of his bodybuilding career, he relied on professionals for dangerous falls and stunts. This teamwork was key to creating many of the most memorable action scenes in film history.
Sylvester Stallone
Sylvester Stallone is well-known for the physical strain his action roles have put on his body throughout his career. After experiencing injuries like a broken neck, he became more careful and started using stunt doubles more often. For the ‘Expendables’ movies, he collaborated with a team of professionals to perform the dangerous stunts. Stallone has said he enjoys the challenge of this type of work but understands the importance of protecting his health. He also deeply appreciates the skills of stunt performers and has featured many experienced professionals in his recent films.
Bruce Willis
Bruce Willis became known for playing relatable action heroes, starting with ‘Die Hard,’ but he relied on stunt doubles for many of the film’s most iconic and dangerous scenes. Stuart Wilson was his frequent double, performing risky jumps and falls throughout several movies. Willis concentrated on bringing personality and delivering dialogue, letting trained professionals handle the physical challenges. This collaboration helped him stay incredibly productive during his most successful years in Hollywood. His career demonstrates how crucial stunt doubles are in making heroes seem unstoppable.
Dwayne Johnson
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is known for his incredible physique, but he usually lets professionals handle the really risky stunts in his movies. For over twenty years, his cousin Tanoai Reed has been his main stunt double, working on films like ‘Jumanji’ and ‘Hobbs and Shaw’. Johnson frequently praises Reed and acknowledges his vital role in pulling off his action sequences. Johnson knows maintaining his image and staying healthy means relying on skilled stunt performers. Their long-standing family collaboration has become a well-known success story in Hollywood.
Vin Diesel
Vin Diesel is the star of the ‘Fast and Furious’ movies, known for their incredible and over-the-top action. Although he participates in planning and training for the stunts, he relies on a professional team to handle the most dangerous car chases and fight scenes. Diesel prioritizes safety on set and recognizes the skill needed to create these complex action sequences. He frequently acknowledges his stunt team’s contributions in behind-the-scenes content and promotional videos, helping to keep the thrilling world of ‘Fast and Furious’ exciting for fans around the globe.
Jason Momoa
Though Jason Momoa is famous for playing tough characters in films like ‘Aquaman’ and ‘Game of Thrones’, he often uses stunt performers for the most dangerous parts. He’s worked closely with Kim Fardy, a stunt double who handles challenging underwater work and intense fight scenes. Momoa has talked about the injuries he’s gotten while filming and the importance of being cautious as he gets older. He feels the stunt team is essential to any action movie and deserves a lot of recognition. By letting skilled doubles take on the biggest risks, Momoa can focus on bringing his energy and personality to his roles while staying safe.
Zoe Saldaña
Zoe Saldaña is known for playing strong female characters in films like ‘Avatar’ and ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’. Though her dance training helps with movement, she relies on professional stunt doubles for particularly dangerous scenes. Saldaña emphasizes the value of having skilled stuntwomen take on risky falls and impacts to avoid injury. She sees her job as bringing the character’s emotions to life, while the stunt experts handle the physical challenges. This teamwork has been key to creating some of the most beloved characters in science fiction today.
Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie initially gained recognition for performing many of her own stunts, particularly in ‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.’ However, as her career has progressed, especially in films like ‘Maleficent’ and ‘Eternals,’ she’s increasingly relied on stunt doubles for the most physically demanding scenes. Jolie prioritizes keeping film productions running smoothly and understands her role as a lead actress. She continues to support the stunt community and collaborates with her doubles to ensure realistic character movements. This demonstrates a shift in her approach, moving from a willingness to take on all the action herself to a more strategic and professional method.
Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt is known for his action roles, but he’s always relied on stunt doubles for particularly risky scenes. In movies like ‘Bullet Train’ and ‘World War Z,’ he worked with professional stunt performers to handle challenging fights and stunts. As he’s gotten older, Pitt is even more comfortable letting experts handle the dangerous parts. He deeply admires the skill and courage of these performers, and that respect has allowed him to continue taking on physically demanding roles throughout his career.
Jamie Foxx
Jamie Foxx is known for action movies like ‘Django Unchained’ and ‘Project Power,’ but he typically uses stunt doubles for dangerous scenes. He sees himself primarily as an actor, focused on delivering his lines and performance. Foxx greatly admires the skill and safety precautions of stunt performers. He often jokes about leaving the risky physical work to the professionals, preferring to avoid injury. This sensible approach helps ensure his movies are made safely and smoothly.
Jeremy Renner
Jeremy Renner famously played Hawkeye for years and was dedicated to doing his own physical stunts. But after several injuries, including broken arms while filming ‘Tag,’ he began using stunt doubles more often. For his later roles in ‘Mayor of Kingstown’ and his final appearances as Hawkeye in Marvel films, he let professionals handle the most risky scenes. Renner has openly discussed his recovery and now values on-set safety measures even more. His experience shows just how dangerous it can be for actors who perform their own stunts.
Benedict Cumberbatch
Benedict Cumberbatch successfully moved into action-packed roles with films like ‘Doctor Strange’ and the ‘Star Trek’ series. Though he’s a natural at delivering lines and portraying characters, he uses stunt doubles for difficult and elaborate fight scenes and wire work. Cumberbatch acknowledges that these skilled stunt performers are essential for making the magical and physical aspects of his roles feel realistic. He consistently praises his stunt team for their dedication and hard work in helping him appear heroic, which allows him to concentrate on the detailed acting that has made him a worldwide star.
Chris Evans
As a huge movie fan, I always appreciated Chris Evans as Captain America, and it’s fascinating to learn what went into making those action scenes happen. He did a lot of his own stunts, especially with the shield and in close-up fights, but the really complex acrobatics? That was mostly his stunt double, Sam Hargrave. Chris has talked openly about how demanding the role was physically, and how crucial it was to have doubles for safety. He’s always made sure to give the stunt team the credit they deserve – they were the ones who made all those incredible feats look so seamless and believable. Honestly, that teamwork was a huge part of what made the ‘Captain America’ and ‘Avengers’ movies so amazing.
Paul Rudd
Though Paul Rudd is known for comedy, his role as Ant-Man involves a surprising amount of physical work. He depends on stunt doubles to perform the complex fight scenes and energetic sequences in the Marvel movies. Rudd often playfully points out that his double does all the difficult work while he receives the praise. He understands that the stunts require specialized training he doesn’t possess, so he concentrates on bringing the character’s humor and emotional depth to life, leaving the action to the professionals.
Dave Bautista
Dave Bautista successfully moved from a career in professional wrestling to acting, and he understands how physically challenging action movies can be. Even though he’s an athlete, he often relies on stunt doubles for particularly risky scenes, like those in ‘Army of the Dead’. He explains this is to protect his body and prevent injuries that could cut his acting career short. Bautista greatly respects stunt performers, viewing them as fellow athletes who are essential to bringing action stories to life. This careful and professional attitude has helped him become a prominent figure in action films.
John Cena
John Cena, a former professional wrestler, has transitioned into acting with roles in films like ‘Peacemaker’ and ‘Fast X’. Although he’s physically fit and does many of his own stunts, he relies on stunt doubles for particularly dangerous scenes. Cena explains that fast-paced film production requires everyone to focus on their strengths, and he deeply respects the skill and safety provided by the stunt team, often showcasing their work online. Using doubles, he believes, is a professional way to ensure the project’s success.
Michael B. Jordan
Michael B. Jordan is famous for getting into incredible shape for roles like those in ‘Creed’ and ‘Black Panther’. He does a lot of his own boxing and fighting, but he still relies on stunt doubles for particularly risky scenes. He explains that the potential for serious injury is too great to take chances, and professional stunt performers are vital for safety. Jordan collaborates with his stunt team to make sure all the action feels true to his character’s personality and fighting style. This combination of his dedication and expert support has helped him become a leading action movie star.
Brie Larson
To prepare for her role as Captain Marvel, Brie Larson trained extensively, but for the most dangerous stunts – like complex aerial maneuvers and fight scenes – she worked with skilled stunt doubles, including Renae Moneymaker. Together, they developed a strong and believable fighting style for the character. Larson has often spoken about how challenging the role was and how important her stunt team was to her success. She understands that safety is paramount on set and that professionals are best suited for risky tasks. This teamwork was key to making Captain Marvel a prominent character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Sophie Turner
Sophie Turner played Jean Grey in the ‘X-Men’ movies, which involved a lot of stunts and carefully planned action sequences. For the particularly challenging physical scenes in ‘Dark Phoenix,’ she used stunt doubles. Turner has said she’s not naturally very athletic and greatly appreciates the expertise of the stunt professionals who helped her. This allowed her to concentrate on bringing emotional depth to her performance while still delivering exciting action. Her experience highlights how even young actors recognize the vital role professional stunt work plays in today’s big-budget films.
Kit Harington
Kit Harington, known for his role in ‘Game of Thrones,’ often used stunt doubles for the most dangerous scenes, despite learning skills like horseback riding and sword fighting. He’s openly discussed how physically demanding filming was and how important it was to have professional stunt performers help with challenging and risky sequences. He continued to rely on stunt doubles for complex action in projects like ‘Eternals,’ and considers the stunt team vital to his work as an actor.
Daniel Craig
Daniel Craig redefined James Bond with his physically demanding performance, though he relied on stunt doubles throughout his time in the role. After getting hurt during filming on ‘Quantum of Solace’ and ‘Spectre,’ he became more careful about doing his own stunts. He collaborated with highly skilled stunt performers to create the iconic action scenes the Bond films are known for, and often acknowledged their crucial contribution to his successful portrayal of the character. His experience highlights both the risks of performing stunts yourself and the benefits of working with professional stunt teams.
Pierce Brosnan
Pierce Brosnan brought both sophistication and excitement to his portrayal of James Bond, but he relied on stunt doubles for the most dangerous moments. Throughout his four films as the famous spy, he worked with professionals like Mark Mottram to perform risky scenes involving car chases and explosions. Brosnan has explained that he focused on bringing the character and story to life, rather than taking physical risks himself. He greatly respects the stunt performers and their important contribution to the Bond films’ success. This sensible approach helped him consistently deliver a safe and compelling performance as 007.
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2025-12-22 01:50