High-speed car chases. Brutal fight scenes. Death-defying falls from a skyscraper — if you think it’s your favourite actor pulling out those moves, think again.
Like in “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” when Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes were doing that high-speed fight on the highway. Instead of Chris Evans, stuntman Sam Hargrave took to the scene.
If this job and all the glory it offers sound promising to you, your next question might be, “how to become a stunt person?”
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Actress Jennifer Garner and her stunt double Shanna Duggins. Source: AFP
It’s about fearlessness, yes, but also rigorous training, discipline, and a smart approach to building a career.
While demand is rising — the global box office hit an estimated US$33.9 billion in 2023, with action films leading ticket sales — getting noticed requires skill, persistence, and the right connections.
What does a stunt performer do?
A stunt performer is responsible for executing dangerous or physically demanding scenes in movies, TV shows, and live performances. They work closely with stunt coordinators and directors to plan and rehearse movements, ensuring they match the character’s actions.
But it’s not just about taking risks — it’s about ensuring your safety while making action scenes look as realistic as possible.
There are stunts in almost every film, says Mallory Thompson, who worked on “Top Gun: Maverick,” the upcoming “Avatar” films, and doubled Zendaya for “K.C. Undercover.”
For example, in superhero movies like “Spider-Man,” stunt doubles perform high-flying flips and combat scenes. In historical dramas, they execute realistic sword fights or horseback chases. Even simple-looking stunts, like falling down stairs, require skill to avoid injury while making the action look natural.
The different types of stunt work
Most stunt professionals specialise in one or two areas:
1. Fight stunts: hand-to-hand combat, sword fights, and staged brawls.
Example: The “John Wick” series has some of the best stunt choreography in Hollywood, featuring intense martial arts sequences.
2. Falls and jumps: high falls from buildings, bridges, or cliffs.
Example: Stuntman Dar Robinson jumped 220 feet off Toronto’s CN Tower. Experts use harnesses, air cushions, and precise techniques to land safely.
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Vehicle stunts involve car chases, motorcycle jumps, and crashes. Source: AFP
3. Vehicle stunts: car chases, motorcycle jumps, and crashes.
Example: The “Fast & Furious” franchise is packed with insane driving stunts. Drivers train for years to handle extreme manoeuvres.
4. Fire stunts: being set on fire while wearing flame-resistant gel.
Example: Stuntman Joe Toedling set a Guinness World Record for the longest full-body burn is 5 minutes and 41 seconds.
5. Water stunts: Underwater fights, drowning simulations, and high-impact dives.
Example: “Avatar: The Way of Water” features groundbreaking underwater stunts, with actors and stunt professionals performing extended breath-hold diving and complex underwater fight sequences. Kate Winslet famously held her breath for over seven minutes while filming.
Skills you need to succeed as a stunt performer
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The most famous actor to do their own stunts is, of course, none other than Tom Cruise. Source: AFP
1. Physical fitness and conditioning
Stunt work is physically demanding, so being in top shape is essential.
You need strength, flexibility, and endurance to perform high-impact movements like jumping from heights or executing fight scenes repeatedly. For example, stunt doubles in action movies train like professional athletes, focusing on core strength and agility to handle brutal sequences without injury.
2. Martial arts and combat training
Many stunts involve hand-to-hand combat, so martial arts training is a must. Techniques from disciplines like boxing, judo, or taekwondo help create realistic fight scenes while ensuring safety.
Veteran stuntman Chad Stahelski, who doubled for Brandon Lee in “The Crow,” mastered multiple martial arts to perform complex fight sequences. His experience later led him to coordinate stunts for major action films.
3. Movie-specific skills, like driving or dealing with fire
Precision driving skills are crucial for car chases and crashes, while controlled falling techniques prevent injuries. Fire stunts require special training to handle burns safely.
Take Zoe Bell, a top stuntwoman, for example. She doubled for Uma Thurman in “Kill Bill” and performed dangerous car stunts in “Death Proof,” including riding on a speeding car’s hood without safety harnesses.
Degrees related to performing stunts
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The Stunt Performers Academy will train you on how to become a stunt person. Source: Stunt Performers Academy/Facebook
Stunt degree
As of writing this article, there have been no universities offering degrees specifically for stunt work. There is no such thing as a stunt degree, to begin with.
There are, however, stunt schools and academies that offer summer courses or weekly workshops that allow you to build your repertoire and make connections with the people there.
These schools often focus on physical training, safety techniques, and the skills necessary for performing stunts in film and television.
Some of the more well-known stunt schools include:
Acting degree
An acting degree is not a prerequisite to getting into stunts, though it will certainly help to have some basic acting skills to boost your chances of getting a project.
After all, doing stunts is not only about performing them safely; it is also about making sure the actor or actress you are doubling for looks good. So, knowing how to react to a hit or sell a punch would benefit your performance.
How to get your first stunt job
Show off your stunt reel
Instead of presenting a degree or certificate, aspiring stunt performers looking for work should show off their portfolios. This usually comes in the form of a stunt reel, where you showcase your skills and abilities by visually demonstrating your proficiency in performing various dangerous stunts and action sequences.
Think of it as a résumé, but instead of proving your capabilities on paper, a reel allows potential employers to see first-hand how well you can execute different types of stunts. Kinda like how Tom Holland famously did Spider-Man’s flips during his audition for the role.
Networking in the stunt industry
Knowing industry insiders, such as seasoned stunt coordinators, booking agents, and fellow stunt professionals, can help you land auditions and roles.
Because the industry is niche, it is tight-knit, and word-of-mouth plays a significant role in getting you into projects. Your marketability can increase dramatically through recommendations by the right people in the industry.
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Stuntmen turned directors Chad Stahelski and David Leitch alongside actor Keanu Reeves at their debut movie. Source: AFP
Is being a stunt performer the right path for you?
Pros
Having the time of your life is a guarantee when working in stunts.
Honestly, how often do you get to steer through a riveting car chase like in “The Bourne Supremacy” or fight on top of a moving train like in “Skyfall”? It is playing pretend with the adrenaline dialled up to 11.
Learning a variety of physical skills is another benefit to working in stunts. As a stuntperson, you are not subject to only one type of stunt — you’ll move from one stunt to another. And the more you diversify your stunts, the more you know how to keep yourself safe even in the real world.
Cons
The obvious downside to working as a stuntperson is the risk of injuries. While you might be able to shrug off bumps and bruises, there is also a risk of serious harm – one that could keep you from working for some time or worse, permanently.
Take David Holmes, for example. He doubled for Daniel Radcliffe in “Harry Potter” since the film series began. However, an accident took place during the production of the sixth film, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1,” leaving Holmes paralysed.
Aside, since stunt work is a project-based profession, you may go weeks or months between the end of a job and the start of your next one. This would mean not getting a fixed pay, so you need to handle your financials properly until you score another project.
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Not everyone is willing to do something dangerous for the perfect scene, so those who do tend to get paid better. Source: AFP
How much do stunt performers earn?
On average, stunt performers make between US$17,000 to US$44,000 per year. If you are newer to the industry, you may earn less as you need to work your way up, proving your reputation and skillset.
However, things do depend on what kind of stunt you are performing.
The higher the risk, the higher the reward. An example is when American stuntman Dar Robinson received US$100,000 for only one stunt: freefalling off the CN Tower in Toronto, Canada, for the 1982 film “Highpoint.”
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