As a movie fan, I’ve always been a little fascinated by how much of those incredible action scenes are really done by the stars themselves. Turns out, a lot of them aren’t! More and more big names are being honest about letting professional stunt performers handle the really dangerous stuff – and honestly, good for them! It’s not just about insurance or avoiding old injuries; they admit their job is acting, not being an athlete. It’s cool to see them give credit where it’s due, because those stunt performers are the real heroes, risking everything to make those amazing moments happen. Whether it’s navigating tricky landscapes or pulling off complex fight scenes, these 48 actors are smart enough to prioritize safety and let the pros handle it.
Danny Trejo
Danny Trejo is well-known for always using stunt doubles in his action films. He feels it’s selfish for actors to risk a production – and the jobs of everyone involved – just to do their own stunts. In movies like ‘Machete’, he trusts trained professionals to handle dangerous scenes. Trejo often jokes that he doesn’t want to jeopardize a big-budget film just to show off, and this sensible approach has helped him have a long and successful career.
Samuel L. Jackson
Samuel L. Jackson, a seasoned Hollywood actor, consistently relies on stunt doubles for physically demanding scenes. He’s explained that he doesn’t see the point in risking injury when a professional can handle those parts better. This has been his approach throughout his work in major franchises like Marvel and Star Wars. Jackson focuses on delivering strong performances through acting and dialogue, believing that’s his primary role. By prioritizing his health and a long career, he’s become one of the most consistently working actors in the business.
Ryan Reynolds
As a film fan, I’ve always admired actors who do their own stunts, but I understand it’s not always practical – or safe! Ryan Reynolds used to be one of those guys, really wanting to handle everything himself. But after a neck injury during the ‘Green Lantern’ shoot, he had a bit of a wake-up call. Now, he smartly collaborates with incredible stunt doubles like Alex Kyshkovych, especially for a character as physically demanding as Deadpool. Honestly, it’s a great thing – it lets him concentrate on what he’s really good at: nailing the comedy and bringing the emotional depth to films like ‘Free Guy’. It’s cool to see him prioritize the overall performance and trust his team to handle the risky stuff.
Dwayne Johnson
Even though Dwayne Johnson is known for his strong build and wrestling background, he often uses his longtime stunt double, Tanoai Reed, for his action movies. Johnson regularly thanks Reed for taking on the most physically demanding and risky stunts in films like ‘Fast & Furious’ and ‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle,’ and considers him a vital part of his success. He sees their work together as a team effort to deliver the best possible action scenes for viewers, and has shown his gratitude by gifting Reed expensive cars over the years.
Jennifer Lawrence
Jennifer Lawrence is known for being honest about her struggles with physical coordination, especially when filming action scenes. During ‘The Hunger Games’ movies, she frequently used stunt doubles for the most challenging and dangerous parts. She’s playfully admitted she doesn’t feel like an action hero in real life and prioritizes staying safe on set. Using doubles for things like falls and climbs helps her stay healthy throughout long filming schedules. This candidness has become a signature part of her personality and how she approaches her work.
Bryce Dallas Howard
Bryce Dallas Howard often used a stunt double for the running scenes in ‘Jurassic World,’ particularly when navigating difficult jungle terrain. Although she did some of the running herself – even in high heels – professionals handled the most dangerous parts to prevent injuries. Howard has discussed how challenging these scenes were and why expert stunt performers were essential. She appreciates their skills, especially in unpredictable environments, and has been open about the physical demands that even seemingly easy actions, like running, can place on actors.
Mark Wahlberg
Mark Wahlberg often uses stunt doubles in his action movies to keep filming moving quickly. Even though he stays in great shape, he admits that professional stunt performers are better at handling dangerous falls and impacts. In films like ‘Uncharted’ and ‘Transformers: Age of Extinction’, these doubles handle the most difficult and risky stunts. Wahlberg prioritizes giving a believable performance and avoiding injuries so he can be there for his family. He works closely with the stunt teams on all his films.
Chris Pratt
Throughout his time filming ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and ‘Jurassic World,’ Chris Pratt relied heavily on his stunt double, Tony McFarr. Pratt often praises McFarr online, explaining that many of the impressive falls and rolls audiences see are actually performed by his double. This allows Pratt to concentrate on his strengths – the comedic timing and character work he’s known for – while his skilled stunt team handles the dangerous action sequences.
Chris Hemsworth
Though Chris Hemsworth appears incredibly fit as Thor in movies, he often depends on his stunt double, Bobby Holland Hanton, for the most difficult and dangerous scenes. Hemsworth has acknowledged the huge physical strain of playing a superhero, and Hanton takes on the riskiest stunts. The two have become close friends, even sharing similar strict diets and workout plans. Hemsworth frequently praises Hanton for the impressive athleticism seen in the Marvel films, making sure both the character looks powerful and the actor stays safe.
Scarlett Johansson
I’ve always been so impressed watching Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow, and I recently learned just how much that’s thanks to Heidi Moneymaker, her incredible stunt double! Scarlett herself has spoken so highly of Heidi’s athleticism and how perfectly she captures the character’s physicality. While Scarlett does a lot of her own training, she’s smart enough to know when to bring in a pro for the really dangerous stuff. Apparently, Heidi was especially vital during the filming of ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ because Scarlett was pregnant at the time. It’s fantastic that Scarlett consistently champions getting stunt performers like Heidi the recognition they deserve – they truly make these action scenes possible!
Robert Downey Jr.
For over ten years, Robert Downey Jr. depended on a skilled stunt team to perform the challenging physical aspects of his role as Iron Man. He’s frequently discussed how the suits and action scenes in the Marvel movies needed specific expertise. Downey Jr. worked closely with Eric Oram, who served as a consultant and stunt double for many fight sequences, to make them look realistic. He admits that, given his age, it’s smarter to let younger, trained professionals handle the dangerous stunts. This allowed him to concentrate on delivering Tony Stark’s clever lines and portraying the character’s emotional journey.
Tom Hardy
While Tom Hardy is famous for his commitment to challenging roles, he often relies on stuntman Jacob Tomuri for the most demanding physical scenes. Tomuri performed a significant number of the thrilling, high-speed stunts in ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’, contributing greatly to the film’s stunning visuals. Hardy greatly admires Tomuri’s skills and has even included him in red carpet events. Though Hardy enjoys the physical side of acting, he acknowledges that a skilled stunt double like Tomuri is essential. This teamwork helps create the realistic and raw action sequences his movies are known for.
Vin Diesel
Vin Diesel doesn’t perform all the dangerous stunts in the ‘Fast & Furious’ movies himself. He depends on a skilled team of stunt professionals, including his long-time double, Troy Robinson, to handle the fast-paced driving and fight scenes. Diesel considers this team like family and often makes sure their work is recognized. He understands the movies are too big and complex for him to safely do everything, and using stunt doubles helps keep filming on track and prevents injuries.
Sebastian Stan
Sebastian Stan often uses stunt doubles when playing the Winter Soldier. He does as many of the fight scenes himself as he can, especially the close-up hand-to-hand combat. However, for risky moves like wire work and falls, he relies on professional stunt performers. Stan explains that Marvel’s action scenes demand a high level of skill and accuracy, often requiring experts. He often thanks his stunt doubles, including James Young and Greg Rementer, for helping to create the character’s unique fighting style. By being open about this, Stan provides a realistic look behind the scenes of making big-budget action movies.
Brie Larson
To play Captain Marvel, Brie Larson worked with two stunt doubles, Renae Moneymaker and Joanna Bennett. While Larson trained hard for the role, she acknowledged that some of the more difficult stunts required professionals. She’s been open about sharing behind-the-scenes content to showcase the contributions of her doubles, emphasizing that creating the character’s abilities and physicality is a team effort. This highlights how collaborative modern superhero movies are.
Margot Robbie
While Margot Robbie did a lot of her own stunts for ‘Suicide Squad’, she used professional stunt doubles for the really risky parts. Stunt performer Ingrid Kleinig took on the most dangerous scenes, like aerial work and anything underwater. Robbie has often complimented Kleinig’s courage and talent, recognizing that doubles are essential for keeping a big movie on schedule. Robbie’s openness about sharing credit has made her well-respected among stunt professionals.
Gal Gadot
While filming ‘Wonder Woman’, Gal Gadot relied heavily on stunt doubles, especially because she was pregnant during some of the production. She’s explained that it was important to have professionals perform the demanding fight scenes and wire work. Gadot sees her stunt doubles as crucial collaborators in bringing the powerful Amazonian warrior to life, and she’s consistently thankful for their skill in making the action sequences look seamless and impressive. This allowed the character to maintain a strong image while also protecting Gadot’s well-being.
Henry Cavill
Henry Cavill is famous for doing many of his own physical stunts, especially in ‘The Witcher’. However, he relies on professional stunt doubles for particularly dangerous or technically challenging sequences, like horseback riding and falls. Cavill prioritizes safety on set and appreciates the skill stunt performers bring to the show’s action, ensuring the series maintains a high standard of quality.
Ben Affleck
Ben Affleck relied heavily on experienced stuntman Rich Cetrone when playing Batman in the DC movies. Affleck has said the role was physically demanding, and Cetrone was essential for the fight scenes. He was impressed with the entire stunt team’s ability to perform difficult moves while wearing the heavy Batsuit. Affleck admits he’s now comfortable letting professionals handle the more dangerous physical work. Their teamwork led to some of the most realistic and impactful fight scenes the franchise has ever seen.
Andrew Garfield
Andrew Garfield collaborated with stuntman William Spencer to create the distinctive way his Peter Parker moved in ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’. Garfield has often acknowledged that Spencer performed many of the challenging wall-crawling and swinging stunts. He believes Spencer’s skateboarding skills were key to developing the character’s quick and unusual fighting style. Garfield deeply appreciates the risks Spencer took to make the character believable and continues to advocate for greater recognition of stunt performers and their work.
Tom Holland
Even though Tom Holland has a background in gymnastics and dance, he still relies on stunt doubles for his Spider-Man movies. He’s explained that while he’s capable of doing many of the acrobatic flips, the studio often prefers a double for safety reasons. Holland collaborates with Greg Townley and Luke Scott to make Spider-Man’s movements look as realistic and exciting as possible. He often shares glimpses behind the scenes to highlight the dedication of his stunt team, recognizing that keeping the lead actor safe is a top priority for large-scale Marvel films.
Harrison Ford
Harrison Ford is known for doing his own stunts throughout his career, but as he’s gotten older, he’s increasingly used stunt doubles, especially for physically demanding scenes. During the making of ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,’ doubles handled the most challenging and risky actions. Ford admits that his age makes it sensible to let others take on the most dangerous falls and jumps. He’s frequently collaborated with veteran stuntman Vic Armstrong to keep the character’s adventurous spirit alive. Ford’s willingness to acknowledge the use of doubles shows his realistic and practical attitude toward his decades-long career.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
For more than a dozen movies, including classics like ‘The Terminator’ and ‘Predator’, Arnold Schwarzenegger worked with stunt double Peter Kent. Though a world-class bodybuilder, Schwarzenegger didn’t have the specialized training for movie stunts, so Kent often performed the most dangerous falls and impacts – maneuvers Schwarzenegger’s insurance company wouldn’t cover. Schwarzenegger has often acknowledged Kent’s dedication and crucial role in creating many of his most memorable action scenes. Their enduring collaboration was a key factor in Schwarzenegger’s rise as an action movie icon.
Liam Neeson
You know, Liam Neeson is the action guy these days, but he’s always really clear that he doesn’t actually do all those crazy stunts himself! He works with this incredible stunt double, Mark Vanselow, for pretty much all the fight scenes and falls – especially in movies like ‘Taken’. Neeson’s said himself he’s an actor first, not an athlete, and he’s smart enough to let the professionals handle the dangerous stuff. He really appreciates how Mark can perfectly copy his movements, so it looks like it’s him on screen. Honestly, that partnership is probably why he’s still kicking butt in action movies even in his seventies!
John Travolta
For almost twenty years, John Travolta has relied on Nick Loren as his stunt double in many movies. Travolta acknowledges that Loren performs the most physically demanding and risky parts of his roles, from fight scenes to car chases, ensuring both safety and a believable performance. Travolta values having the same stunt double consistently, as it helps maintain a consistent physical portrayal of his characters. Their professional relationship has also blossomed into a close friendship and working partnership.
Brad Pitt
Throughout his career, Brad Pitt has often used stunt doubles for challenging scenes in films like ‘Troy’ and ‘World War Z’. While he stays in good shape, he recognizes that professional stunt performers have specialized skills for certain actions. Interestingly, in ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’, he played a stuntman himself, but still relied on real stunt professionals for the dangerous parts. Pitt is happy to use doubles, believing it’s more important to make a successful film than to do all the stunts himself, and he values the overall creative vision of the movie.
Hugh Jackman
Even though Hugh Jackman was famous for getting into amazing shape to play Wolverine, he used stunt doubles for the most dangerous scenes. He’s admitted the role was physically demanding and that using professionals like Richard Bradshaw was essential for safety. Jackman praises the stunt team for making Wolverine’s fierce fighting style believable, which allowed him to concentrate on portraying the character’s emotions throughout his nearly 20 years playing the part.
Zac Efron
For the action and comedy scenes in ‘Baywatch’, Zac Efron relied on stunt doubles for the most dangerous parts. Although he got into incredible shape for the role, he acknowledged that professionals were needed for risky water stunts. Efron is comfortable letting experts handle situations with significant danger, and he appreciates the safety measures stunt teams provide, particularly during fast-paced sequences. This willingness to prioritize safety has been helpful as he moves from performing in musicals to more physically challenging movie roles.
Benedict Cumberbatch
For the action-packed scenes in ‘Doctor Strange’, Benedict Cumberbatch relied on a stunt double. Although he enjoyed learning the fight choreography, he acknowledged that the professional stunt performers were more skilled. Cumberbatch feels their precise work adds to the film’s impressive visuals. He’s openly praised the stunt team’s ability to perform in difficult costumes and with complex equipment, emphasizing the technical difficulties of creating a believable magical world on film.
Kate Winslet
Throughout her career, Kate Winslet has often used stunt and body doubles for demanding scenes, especially during physically challenging productions like ‘Titanic’. She’s discussed how difficult it was to work in cold water and how crucial having professional support was. More recently, in films like ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’, she collaborated with experts to manage the complex underwater filming. Winslet focuses on both her well-being and delivering a strong performance, and understands the value of relying on professionals rather than attempting all stunts herself. She’s known for being practical and dedicated to all parts of the filmmaking process.
Drew Barrymore
After getting a concussion while filming ‘Santa Clarita Diet’ – during a seemingly harmless jump onto someone’s back – Drew Barrymore became much more careful about doing her own stunts. She now openly admits to using stunt doubles, even for simple physical actions, and prioritizes safety over performing stunts herself. Barrymore appreciates the skills of her stunt team and makes sure they receive proper recognition for their work on her projects.
Reese Witherspoon
For the movie ‘Wild’, Reese Witherspoon used a stunt double, Marni Eng, to handle the most challenging and dangerous physical parts of the role, like difficult terrain and falls. While Witherspoon did a lot of hiking herself, Eng stepped in to keep her safe. Witherspoon often speaks highly of stunt performers, noting their skill in seamlessly supporting the actor’s performance. She appreciates that using a double lets her concentrate on portraying her character’s emotions. Being open about this process helps audiences understand what it takes to film in tough, outdoor locations.
Nicole Kidman
As a fan, I always appreciate seeing Nicole Kidman throw herself into her roles, and it’s interesting to hear her talk about how she approaches action scenes. Apparently, for movies like ‘Aquaman’ and ‘The Northman’, she used stunt doubles for the really dangerous stuff – and honestly, that makes sense! She likes doing as much as she can herself, but she’s smart enough to know when something is too risky, especially as a lead actor. She really emphasizes how important it is for actors and the stunt team to work together to make sure everything feels consistent with her character. She’s been pretty upfront about using doubles for things like complicated wire work or scenes with a lot of weapons, and it’s cool that it lets her keep delivering great performances in all kinds of movies.
Cameron Diaz
Cameron Diaz wasn’t doing all the stunts in ‘Knight and Day’. She did some of the motorcycle riding, but professional riders handled the really risky parts. Diaz has talked about how fun action movies are, but also how important it is to have experts on set to keep things running smoothly. She deeply admires the stunt performers who help create the action we see on screen, and her openness about this shows how much teamwork goes into making big-budget movies.
Emma Watson
Throughout the ‘Harry Potter’ films, Emma Watson relied on stunt doubles for many scenes. This was necessary due to both child labor laws and the challenging magical action sequences. Watson herself has said that professionals handled the most dangerous stunts, like falls and escapes, allowing her character, Hermione Granger, to appear fearless. Using doubles kept the young actors safe during the ten years it took to film the series.
Mark Ruffalo
Mark Ruffalo’s performance as the Hulk in the Marvel movies relies on a team of experts. While he provides the facial expressions, stunt doubles handle the more physically demanding scenes. Ruffalo is upfront about this, explaining that bringing the Hulk to life is a combined effort of digital technology and skilled stunt work. He readily credits the stunt performers for their crucial contribution to the character’s movement, offering audiences a clearer understanding of how modern superhero films are made.
Paul Rudd
Okay, so I’m a huge Marvel fan, and I always find it interesting to learn what goes on behind the scenes. Apparently, Paul Rudd – who’s hilarious as Ant-Man – actually uses stunt doubles for a lot of the bigger action stuff. He’s openly joked about not being quite as physically capable as Scott Lang, which I think is awesome. He works super closely with his stunt team, making sure all the shrinking and growing looks believable. Honestly, he’s always giving them credit for making those action scenes so good, and I think that’s a big part of why fans like me love him so much. It’s cool when actors are that genuine and appreciative of the people who help make the magic happen.
Chris Evans
For many of the impressive fight scenes in ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’, Chris Evans worked with stunt double Sam Hargrave, particularly for shield work and complex combat. Evans has explained that the fight choreography was incredibly demanding, requiring a high level of physical skill. He often complimented Hargrave’s ability to convincingly portray Captain America’s power and quickness. Although Evans did as many of the stunts himself as he could, he understood that a double was essential for the most risky moments. This collaboration was key to creating the realistic and intense fighting style the character is known for.
Daniel Craig
Daniel Craig famously did a lot of his own stunts while playing James Bond, but after several serious injuries – including a torn ACL and an ankle requiring surgery – he’s become more comfortable using stunt doubles. He now recognizes that having professionals handle the most dangerous scenes is a smart way to keep everyone safe on set. He collaborates with top stunt performers to maintain a high level of action quality. This acceptance of his physical limitations has been viewed as a mark of his experience and professionalism.
Melissa McCarthy
I’ve noticed in movies like ‘Spy’ and ‘The Boss’ that Melissa McCarthy does a lot of her own physical comedy, but she also uses stunt doubles, and honestly, it makes sense! She’s said she likes being active, but she’d rather leave the really dangerous stuff – like falls and crashes – to the professionals. She really appreciates how the stunt team makes everything look so believable and funny. She often gives a shout-out to her double, Luci Romberg, which I think is great. It just shows that even when someone is making us laugh, a lot of skill and physical expertise goes into it behind the scenes.
Sofía Vergara
Sofía Vergara often used a stunt double for physically demanding scenes in both ‘Modern Family’ and ‘Griselda’. She’s openly said she’s not particularly athletic and likes to avoid taking physical risks while filming. For ‘Griselda’, a double performed scenes with fights and driving. Vergara explains that she prioritizes delivering a strong performance and focusing on her character’s emotions, and using a double helps keep the set safe and the production running smoothly.
Natalie Portman
Natalie Portman faced some public debate about how much of the dancing in ‘Black Swan’ she actually performed. Although she trained hard and did many of the dance scenes herself, professional ballerina Sarah Lane stepped in for the most difficult parts. Portman and the filmmakers later recognized how important Lane was to the film. Portman herself has praised the skill it takes to be a professional ballerina. The situation sparked a conversation about being open and honest about when performers use doubles for challenging, specialized work.
Jason Momoa
Okay, so as a huge movie fan, I learned something interesting about Jason Momoa and ‘Aquaman’. Even though he’s incredibly athletic and looks like a total beast on screen, he uses a stunt double, Kim Fardy, for the really dangerous stuff. Jason’s actually posted a bunch of pics with Kim, and he really credits him with making the action sequences amazing and, honestly, possible. He says Kim’s technical skills are crucial, especially for all the underwater work and fight scenes. It’s cool to see how they work together to make everything look spectacular while keeping everyone safe.
Jeremy Renner
After breaking both arms while filming the movie ‘Tag’, Jeremy Renner began publicly supporting the use of stunt doubles. The accident happened during what seemed like a harmless scene with falling chairs, highlighting the potential dangers even in simple movie moments. Since then, Renner has been more careful and now uses his stunt team for the most dangerous parts of his roles in the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’. He’s spoken highly of their talent and how effectively they perform. This experience completely changed his view on the importance of professional stunt performers in all films.
Elizabeth Olsen
Elizabeth Olsen chooses to use stunt doubles for the most dangerous or physically challenging scenes in her Marvel movies. She’s admitted she’s not comfortable with things like wire work and falling from heights, and feels it’s best to let professionals handle those risks. She collaborates closely with her stunt doubles to make sure their movements match her own, which allows her to concentrate on portraying the emotional side of her character, Wanda Maximoff.
Zoe Saldaña
Zoe Saldaña relied on stunt doubles for the physically demanding action sequences in movies like ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and ‘Avatar’. She’s discussed how tiring long filming schedules can be and how important it is to have a talented stunt team. Saldana recognizes that stunt performers’ skill is crucial for the fast-paced action in science fiction films, and she appreciates their dedication to safety and expertise, which helps her stay healthy for her family. By openly talking about this, she’s highlighted just how physically challenging it is to play characters from other worlds.
Karen Gillan
Karen Gillan often used stunt doubles for her action roles in movies like ‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle’ and within the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’. While she’s known for playing strong characters, she’s said she isn’t naturally skilled in complex fight choreography and depends on professionals to perform the most difficult moves. Gillan has shared behind-the-scenes footage of her training, highlighting the hard work involved, and always gives credit to her stunt doubles for the final on-screen results. She feels it’s important to acknowledge the expertise of the stunt team, and this honesty has earned her praise from both stunt performers and her fans.
Lucy Liu
Although Lucy Liu has martial arts experience, she often used professional stunt doubles for the demanding fight scenes in movies like ‘Charlie’s Angels’ and ‘Kill Bill: Volume 1’. She explains that film stunts require a level of speed and safety best achieved by experts. Liu greatly respects the stunt performers who contributed to her success as an action star, and their teamwork resulted in some iconic fight sequences from the early 2000s.
Tell us what you think about these actors using stunt doubles in the comments.
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2026-02-20 12:52