The secret lives of six body doubles

Beyond stunt performers, other specialists step in when actors do not want to perform intimate scenes or lack particular skills. Percy Bell, a Nashville actor who doubled for Michael B Jordan in Sinners, says the work was more about matching movements than building a new character; he even made playlists to inhabit the twin roles, and his face was later replaced in post-production so his job was to create the right environment for Jordan.

Shelley Michelle’s body was blended with Julia Roberts’ face for the iconic Pretty Woman poster, and she handled the film’s sex scenes because the director wanted Roberts to appear to have curvier legs. Michelle later launched an agency, secured union recognition and a nudity “bump” in pay, but she also recalls uncomfortable moments on set and being hidden away when productions preferred not to reveal a double.

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