Stunt doubles: Hollywood's behind-the-scenes safety superstars

From blockbuster movies to television shows, stunt performers create many of the most thrilling moments on screen. They take on dangerous action — car chases, high-speed fights and rooftop leaps — while adding a layer of safety by using expertise to prevent set accidents.

For example, though Pedro Pascal voices the title character in The Mandalorian, Brendan Wayne inhabits the armor in most scenes while Lateef Crowder performs the action sequences. Stunt doubles are chosen not only for skill but for physical resemblance; matching height, body shape and facial features helps preserve continuity.

They must also imitate an actor’s body language and mannerisms. A stunt double replaces an actor in action sequences, while a stunt performer can also fill roles such as henchmen and bystanders. Each move is choreographed with stunt coordinators, safety supervisors, directors and camera crews, and rehearsed before filming to reduce risk.

United States, Hollywood

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