Action Stars Who Refuse to Do Their Own Stunts
The world of action cinema often promotes the idea that leading actors perform every dangerous feat themselves to maintain authenticity. However many of the most successful stars in Hollywood choose to step aside when the cameras prepare for high stakes sequences. These professionals rely on trained stunt doubles to ensure the safety of the production and the continuity of the filming schedule. This list examines the actors who openly prioritize expert assistance during the most physically demanding moments of their careers.
Danny Trejo
Danny Trejo has been vocal throughout his career about his preference for using stunt doubles on every project. He famously argued that an actor is being selfish if they risk an injury that could shut down a production and put hundreds of people out of work. This practical approach has allowed him to maintain a prolific output in films like ‘Machete’ and ‘From Dusk Till Dawn’ without significant downtime. Trejo views stunt work as a professional trade that should be left to those who have trained specifically for it. He continues to advocate for the safety of crews across the entertainment industry.
Samuel L. Jackson
Samuel L. Jackson is one of the most prolific actors in history but he rarely performs his own physical combat or falls. He has stated in interviews that he has no interest in doing things that he is not qualified to do. During his time as Nick Fury in the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’ he has consistently worked with doubles to handle the more strenuous action sequences. Jackson values the expertise of the stunt community and feels that his contribution should remain focused on the performance and dialogue. This perspective has served him well throughout his long and diverse career in blockbuster cinema.
Liam Neeson
Liam Neeson became an unexpected action icon later in his career with the success of the ‘Taken’ franchise. While he handles many of the fight scenes and movement himself he relies on Mark Vanselow for the more dangerous falls and crashes. Neeson has expressed that he is not a stuntman and prefers to leave the life threatening work to the professionals. This partnership has spanned over a dozen films including ‘Cold Pursuit’ and ‘The Commuter’ where safety was paramount. The actor remains dedicated to his craft while acknowledging the physical limitations that come with intense action roles.
Ryan Reynolds
Ryan Reynolds decided to stop performing his own stunts after suffering a serious neck injury during the filming of ‘Safe House’. He realized that the physical toll on his body was becoming too great and could jeopardize his ability to work. For his roles in the ‘Deadpool’ series he works closely with a team of acrobats and fighters to bring the character to life. This shift has allowed him to focus on the comedic timing and personality of his characters while the action remains high quality. Reynolds often praises his stunt team for their bravery and technical skill on social media.
Jennifer Lawrence
Jennifer Lawrence performed some of her own archery and climbing for ‘The Hunger Games’ but she generally prefers to let doubles handle the risky maneuvers. She has admitted in several press junkets that she is not particularly coordinated and values the safety provided by stunt performers. During the production of ‘Red Sparrow’ she utilized expert doubles for the more physically punishing sequences to avoid potential injuries. Lawrence views the stunt department as a vital part of the storytelling process that enhances her performance. Her focus remains on the emotional arc of her characters while the professionals handle the impact.
Mark Wahlberg
Mark Wahlberg is known for his intense fitness regimen but he often steps back for the most dangerous stunts in his films. He utilized a stunt double for many of the high altitude and high speed sequences in the ‘Transformers’ franchise. Wahlberg has noted that as a father and a producer he understands the importance of keeping the production moving without delays caused by accidents. For his role in ‘Uncharted’ he worked with professionals to ensure the action looked spectacular while he stayed safe. This pragmatic approach has helped him maintain a consistent presence in high budget action movies.
Robert Downey Jr.
Robert Downey Jr. spent over a decade as the face of the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’ but he rarely did the heavy lifting for Iron Man. While he performed some basic movements in the suit his stunt doubles handled the complex wire work and physical combat. He has been open about the fact that his age and the physical demands of the role made it necessary to rely on experts. In his ‘Sherlock Holmes’ films he also worked with doubles for the more chaotic chase and fight scenes. Downey Jr. remains one of the most respected actors in the industry for his willingness to credit his stunt team.
Chris Pratt
Chris Pratt transformed his physique for ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ but he still relies on stunt double Tony McFarr for many of his action beats. He has shared many behind the scenes photos showing the two working together to create the character of Star Lord. Pratt has mentioned that the specialized skills of a stuntman are essential for the high energy sequences found in ‘Jurassic World’. He believes that the partnership between an actor and their double is crucial for a successful action film. By using a double Pratt is able to deliver a more charismatic performance without the risk of physical exhaustion.
Scarlett Johansson
Scarlett Johansson played the physically demanding role of Black Widow for many years and relied heavily on stunt double Heidi Moneymaker. The two developed a close professional relationship to ensure the character moved with a consistent style across multiple films. While Johansson trained for hand to hand combat she let Moneymaker handle the dangerous flips and high falls. This collaboration was particularly evident in ‘Black Widow’ where the action reached new levels of complexity. Johansson has frequently advocated for better recognition of stunt performers at major award ceremonies.
Chris Hemsworth
Chris Hemsworth is a massive physical presence in the ‘Thor’ films but he works with double Bobby Holland Hanton for the most taxing stunts. Hanton often has to follow a strict diet and exercise plan to match the impressive physique of the Australian actor. Hemsworth acknowledges that the wire work and explosive sequences are better handled by someone with the professional background of Hanton. Even in the ‘Extraction’ series which features intense realism Hemsworth relies on his team to execute the most perilous moments. This teamwork ensures that the actor can continue his grueling filming schedules across multiple projects.
Will Smith
Will Smith has been a staple of action cinema for decades but he has consistently used doubles for the most dangerous parts of his roles. During the filming of ‘Gemini Man’ and ‘Bad Boys for Life’ he worked with skilled performers to manage the high speed chases and combat. Smith has noted that the physical risks involved in modern blockbusters require a level of expertise that he does not possess. He maintains a deep respect for the stunt community and often features them in his promotional content. This approach has allowed him to stay healthy and productive throughout a career filled with physical roles.
Gal Gadot
Gal Gadot brought ‘Wonder Woman’ to life with a mix of her own athletic ability and the work of several talented stunt doubles. During the production of her solo films she was pregnant for some reshoots which made the use of doubles even more essential. She has praised her stunt team for their ability to make her look like a goddess on the big screen. In films like ‘Red Notice’ she continues to use professionals for the complex fight choreography and high wire sequences. Gadot recognizes that the safety of the set depends on the skills of these dedicated individuals.
Margot Robbie
Margot Robbie is famous for doing much of her own skating in ‘I Tonya’ but she uses doubles for her more explosive action roles. As Harley Quinn in ‘The Suicide Squad’ she collaborated with Ingrid Kleinig to perform the signature acrobatic moves of the character. Robbie has stated that while she enjoys the physical challenge she knows when to defer to the experts for the sake of the movie. This balance allows her to stay immersed in the character while the action remains top tier. Her doubles have been instrumental in creating the chaotic and fluid movement style of her most iconic roles.
Hugh Jackman
Hugh Jackman played Wolverine for seventeen years and underwent incredible physical transformations for the part. However he consistently used stunt doubles like Richard Bradshaw to handle the most punishing aspects of the role. Jackman has suffered several minor injuries over the years and realized that professional help was necessary to sustain the character. In his more recent work like ‘The Greatest Showman’ he also relied on doubles for the complex aerial sequences. Jackman remains a vocal supporter of the stunt community and their contributions to the cinematic arts.
Henry Cavill
Henry Cavill is known for his commitment to training but he uses stunt performers for the most technical action in his films. For his role as Superman in ‘Man of Steel’ and ‘Justice League’ he worked with doubles to manage the intricate wire work required for flight. In the series ‘The Witcher’ he performed much of his own swordplay but still relied on professionals for the most dangerous stunts. Cavill understands that his primary job is to deliver a compelling performance while the stunt team ensures the action is safe and spectacular. This philosophy has helped him build a reputation as a reliable and hardworking leading man.
Ben Affleck
Ben Affleck took on the role of Batman and utilized a team of stunt performers to handle the brutal fight choreography in ‘Batman v Superman’. He has been open about the fact that the physical demands of the suit and the action were best suited for professionals. During the filming of ‘The Accountant’ he also worked with doubles to execute the more complex combat maneuvers. Affleck values the efficiency that stunt performers bring to a set and the safety they provide to the lead actors. His focus on directing and acting often means he prefers to leave the physical risks to his dedicated team.
Matt Damon
Matt Damon defined a new era of action with the ‘Jason Bourne’ series which featured gritty and realistic combat. While Damon trained extensively for the role he worked with legendary stunt coordinators and doubles to pull off the most dangerous feats. He has admitted that the car chases and roof jumps in ‘The Bourne Ultimatum’ were the work of highly skilled professionals. Damon believes that the audience wants to see a convincing performance and that using a double does not diminish his work. This pragmatic view has allowed him to participate in some of the most acclaimed action sequences of the modern era.
Harrison Ford
Harrison Ford is legendary for his roles as Indiana Jones and Han Solo but he has always been realistic about his physical limits. Despite his reputation for ruggedness he has used stunt doubles throughout his career to handle the most treacherous falls and fights. During the filming of ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’ he continued to rely on a team of experts to maintain the signature energy of the character. Ford has often joked about his injuries on set and the importance of having professional stunt people to keep him in one piece. His longevity in the industry is a testament to his wise use of professional assistance.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Schwarzenegger became a global superstar through his physical presence but he has always utilized stunt doubles for his movies. From ‘The Terminator’ to ‘True Lies’ he worked with performers like Peter Kent who matched his massive frame. Schwarzenegger understood early in his career that a single injury could derail a million dollar production. Even during his peak as a bodybuilder he deferred to the experts for falls and high risk maneuvers. This collaborative effort helped create some of the most iconic action moments in cinematic history.
Sylvester Stallone
Sylvester Stallone is famous for the physical toll his roles have taken on his body over the years. After suffering a broken neck and other serious injuries he became more cautious and began relying more heavily on stunt doubles. In the ‘Expendables’ franchise he worked with a large team of professionals to execute the explosive action. Stallone has stated that while he loves the intensity of the work he must be smart about his long term health. His respect for the stunt industry led him to showcase many veteran performers in his later films.
Bruce Willis
Bruce Willis defined the everyman hero in ‘Die Hard’ but he used stunt doubles for many of the most famous moments in the series. Stuart Wilson was his long time double who handled the dangerous leaps and falls across many of his projects. Willis preferred to focus on the charisma and dialogue of his characters while the professionals took the physical hits. This partnership allowed him to maintain a high level of output during his peak years in Hollywood. His career highlights the importance of the stunt double in creating the illusion of the invincible hero.
Dwayne Johnson
Dwayne Johnson is one of the most physically impressive stars in the world but he rarely does his own dangerous stunts. He has worked with his cousin Tanoai Reed as his primary stunt double for over twenty years across films like ‘Jumanji’ and ‘Hobbs and Shaw’. Johnson is very public about his appreciation for Reed and often credits him for the success of his action roles. The actor understands that his brand depends on his health and the professional execution of stunts by experts. This family partnership has become one of the most famous and successful in Hollywood history.
Vin Diesel
Vin Diesel is the face of the ‘Fast and Furious’ franchise which features some of the most outrageous stunts in cinema. While he is involved in the choreography and the physical training he uses a dedicated team for the most perilous car sequences and fights. Diesel values the safety of the production and the expertise required to pull off complex action beats. He often highlights the work of his stunt team in behind the scenes footage and promotional materials. This approach ensures that the high octane world of Dominic Toretto remains thrilling for audiences worldwide.
Jason Momoa
Jason Momoa is known for his rugged roles in ‘Aquaman’ and ‘Game of Thrones’ but he relies on stunt performers for the heavy lifting. He has worked with double Kim Fardy to handle the complex underwater movements and high energy combat scenes. Momoa has been open about the various injuries he has sustained on set and the need to be more careful as his career progresses. He believes that the stunt team is the backbone of any action movie and deserves significant credit. By using doubles Momoa is able to bring his unique energy to the screen without risking his physical well being.
Zoe Saldaña
Zoe Saldaña has played some of the most iconic female action roles in ‘Avatar’ and ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’. While she has a background in dance that helps with her movement she uses doubles for the most intense physical sequences. She has spoken about the importance of having professional stuntwomen to handle the falls and impact that could lead to injury. Saldaña believes that her role is to provide the emotional core of the character while the experts handle the physical risks. This collaboration has helped her create some of the most memorable characters in modern science fiction.
Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie is famous for doing many of her own stunts in ‘Lara Croft Tomb Raider’ but she has shifted her approach over the years. In more recent films like ‘Maleficent’ and ‘Eternals’ she has utilized stunt doubles for the more taxing physical work. Jolie understands the responsibility of being a leading lady and the need to keep the production on schedule. She remains a strong advocate for the stunt community and often works closely with her doubles to refine the movement of the character. Her career shows a transition from youthful daring to a more balanced and professional approach to action.
Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt has been a major action star for decades but he has always been comfortable using stunt doubles for his most dangerous work. In ‘Bullet Train’ and ‘World War Z’ he worked with professionals to handle the complex fight scenes and stunts. Pitt has noted that as he has gotten older he is more than happy to let the experts take the falls for him. He maintains a great deal of respect for the technical skill and bravery of the stunt performers he works with. This perspective has allowed him to continue taking on physically demanding roles well into his career.
Jamie Foxx
Jamie Foxx has starred in numerous action films like ‘Django Unchained’ and ‘Project Power’ where he relies on professional stunt doubles. He has stated that he is an actor first and that his job is to deliver the lines and the performance. Foxx has a high degree of respect for the physical training and risk management that stunt performers bring to the set. He often jokes that he is too old to be doing his own falls and is happy to stay out of harm’s way. This pragmatic attitude ensures that his films are completed safely and efficiently.
Jeremy Renner
Jeremy Renner played the role of Hawkeye for many years and was known for his commitment to the physical aspects of the character. However after a series of injuries including breaking both arms on the set of ‘Tag’ he became more reliant on stunt doubles. In the series ‘Mayor of Kingstown’ and his final ‘Marvel’ appearances he let professionals handle the most dangerous sequences. Renner has been open about his recovery process and the renewed appreciation he has for the safety protocols on set. His experience highlights the real dangers that actors face when they try to perform their own stunts.
Benedict Cumberbatch
Benedict Cumberbatch transitioned into action roles with ‘Doctor Strange’ and the ‘Star Trek’ franchise. While he handles the dialogue and character work with ease he relies on stunt doubles for the complex wire work and combat. Cumberbatch has noted that the specialized skills of the stunt performers are what make the magical and physical elements of his roles believable. He is always quick to credit his team for their hard work and dedication to making him look like a hero. This collaboration allows him to focus on the nuanced performances that have made him a global star.
Chris Evans
Chris Evans became a household name as Captain America and worked with a team of elite stunt performers to bring the hero to life. While he did some of the shield work and hand to hand combat his double Sam Hargrave handled the most spectacular acrobatics. Evans has been vocal about the physical toll the role took on his body and the necessity of using doubles. He has expressed deep gratitude for the stunt team who made the impossible feats of his character look effortless on screen. This teamwork was essential to the success of the ‘Captain America’ and ‘Avengers’ films.
Paul Rudd
Paul Rudd may not be the first person people think of as an action star but his role in ‘Ant Man’ requires significant physical work. He relies heavily on stunt doubles for the many fight scenes and high energy sequences in the ‘Marvel’ films. Rudd has often joked in interviews that his double does all the hard work while he gets all the credit. He recognizes that the technical nature of the stunts in his films requires a level of professional training that he does not have. His focus remains on the comedy and heart of the character while the action is left to the experts.
Dave Bautista
Dave Bautista transitioned from professional wrestling to acting and has a deep understanding of the physical demands of action roles. Despite his athletic background he often uses stunt doubles for the most dangerous sequences in films like ‘Army of the Dead’. He has stated that he wants to be smart about his body and avoid unnecessary injuries that could end his career. Bautista respects the stunt community as his fellow athletes and values their contribution to the storytelling process. This professional approach has allowed him to become a major force in Hollywood action cinema.
John Cena
John Cena is another former wrestler who has made a successful move into action films with projects like ‘Peacemaker’ and ‘Fast X’. While he is more than capable of handling physical work he uses stunt doubles for the most risky maneuvers and falls. Cena has explained that the speed of a film production requires everyone to play their specific part for the best results. He values the safety and expertise of the stunt department and often highlights their work on social media. His willingness to use doubles shows a professional commitment to the overall success of the project.
Michael B. Jordan
Michael B. Jordan is known for his intense physical preparations for roles in ‘Creed’ and ‘Black Panther’. While he performs many of the boxing sequences and fight scenes he still utilizes stunt doubles for the more dangerous stunts. He has noted that the risk of injury is too high to ignore and that professional stunt performers are essential for safety. Jordan works closely with his team to ensure that the movements are consistent with the personality and style of his character. This balance of personal commitment and professional assistance has made him one of the top action stars of his generation.
Brie Larson
Brie Larson underwent significant training to play ‘Captain Marvel’ but she still relied on stunt doubles for the most complex aerial and combat scenes. She worked with doubles like Renae Moneymaker to create a powerful and fluid fighting style for the character. Larson has been open about the challenges of the role and the importance of having a supportive stunt team. She recognizes that the safety of everyone on set is the priority and that experts are better equipped for high risk tasks. This collaborative effort helped establish her character as a central figure in the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’.
Sophie Turner
Sophie Turner took on the role of Jean Grey in the ‘X Men’ films which required significant wire work and action choreography. She relied on stunt doubles to handle the more physically demanding parts of the ‘Dark Phoenix’ production. Turner has admitted that she is not the most naturally athletic person and values the skill of the professionals who assisted her. This allowed her to focus on the emotional intensity of the role while the action remained spectacular. Her experience shows how even younger stars understand the importance of professional stunt work in modern blockbusters.
Kit Harington
Kit Harington spent years filming the intense battle sequences of ‘Game of Thrones’ and relied on stunt doubles for the most dangerous work. While he learned to ride horses and fight with swords he let the experts handle the falls and high risk stunts. He has been honest about the physical exhaustion of filming and the need for professional support to get through the long production cycles. In his more recent work like ‘Eternals’ he continued to work with doubles for the more complex action. Harington views the stunt team as an essential part of his professional life in the entertainment industry.
Daniel Craig
Daniel Craig brought a new level of physical intensity to the role of James Bond but he used stunt doubles throughout his tenure. After suffering several major injuries during the filming of ‘Quantum of Solace’ and ‘Spectre’ he became more cautious about his physical involvement. Craig worked with a team of world class stunt performers to execute the legendary action sequences that define the franchise. He has often praised the bravery and skill of his doubles for their part in making his version of Bond so successful. His career demonstrates the high cost of performing your own stunts and the wisdom of using professionals.
Pierce Brosnan
Pierce Brosnan played James Bond with a mix of elegance and action but he consistently used stunt doubles for the more perilous scenes. During his four films as the iconic spy he worked with doubles like Mark Mottram to handle the high speed chases and explosions. Brosnan has stated that his primary responsibility was to the character and the story rather than the physical risk. He maintains a deep appreciation for the stunt community and their role in the legacy of the Bond films. This pragmatic approach allowed him to deliver a consistent and safe performance throughout his time in the role.
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