Why More Black Actors Are Doing Their Own Stunts

Recent discussions in the film industry have focused on a number of actors who choose to perform their own stunts. This practice, while not new, has been highlighted by several prominent Black actors who have publicly discussed their reasons for minimizing or refusing the use of stunt doubles in their work.

Main News

Actors such as Michael B. Jordan and Letitia Wright performed extensive training for their roles in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” to execute complex underwater sequences. They worked with specialized divers to learn free-diving and breath-hold techniques.

In the “Creed” film series, Michael B. Jordan engaged in a rigorous physical regimen to portray a boxer authentically. He performed many of his own fight sequences to enhance the realism of the character’s athleticism.

Actress Zoe Saldaña, known for her roles in action franchises, has also spoken about performing her own stunts. She has emphasized the importance of physical preparation for roles that demand a high level of physicality.

Director Chadwick Boseman, prior to his passing, was also noted for his dedication to performing many of his own action sequences in the first “Black Panther” film. This commitment was part of a broader effort to bring authenticity to the portrayal of the superhero.

Summary

A trend has emerged where several high-profile Black actors are taking on their own stunt work for major film productions. This involves significant physical preparation and training tailored to the specific demands of their roles.

Michael B. Jordan and his “Black Panther” co-stars undertook specialized training for aquatic scenes in the sequel. This included learning advanced diving skills to film without the use of stunt doubles for those sequences.

The drive for authenticity in physically demanding roles is a commonly cited reason. Actors invest considerable time in training to perform fight and action scenes themselves, aiming to increase the believability of their characters.

FAQs

**Why do some actors refuse stunt doubles?**
Some actors choose to perform their own stunts to achieve a higher level of authenticity and realism in their performances. They believe it helps them connect more deeply with their character’s physical experiences.

Is it common for actors to do their own stunts?
While stunt doubles are still widely used for highly dangerous actions, it is becoming more common for lead actors to perform a greater number of their own physical sequences. This often requires months of specialized physical training.

What are the risks of actors doing their own stunts?
The primary risk is the potential for injury, which can cause significant delays in production schedules. Performing stunts without a professional double increases the actor’s personal physical risk.