Actresses Who Refuse Stunt Doubles

Many actresses in the entertainment industry choose to perform their own stunts to add a layer of realism to their performances. This dedication often involves months of grueling physical training and the risk of real injury on set. By performing their own action sequences these performers help maintain the immersion of the audience without the need for clever editing. From martial arts to high altitude wire work these women demonstrate incredible physical prowess alongside their acting talents.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie is famous for performing many of her own stunts in high stakes action films like ‘Lara Croft Tomb Raider’ and ‘Salt’. During the production of ‘Salt’ she performed a dangerous sequence involving a jump onto a moving truck. The actress often trains in various fighting styles and weapon handling to ensure her movements look authentic. Her commitment to realism has led her to complete the majority of her own action work throughout her career.

Brie Larson

Brie Larson underwent an intense physical transformation to play the titular character in ‘Captain Marvel’. She shared videos of herself pushing a heavy jeep to demonstrate the strength she gained during her training. Larson performed many of her own stunts in the film including complex wire work and combat scenes. She wanted to fully embody the power of the superhero by handling the physical demands of the role herself.

Caity Lotz

Caity Lotz brings her background as a professional dancer and martial artist to her roles in ‘Arrow’ and ‘Legends of Tomorrow’. She is known for performing almost all of her own stunts including difficult acrobatic maneuvers and fight choreography. Lotz often shares behind the scenes footage of her training and stunt rehearsals on social media. Her physical capabilities allow the directors to film her fight scenes in long and uninterrupted takes.

Cameron Diaz

Cameron Diaz performed her own stunt driving and fight sequences in the action comedy ‘Knight and Day’. She worked closely with her costar to ensure the high speed chases and combat scenes were executed safely and convincingly. Diaz spent a significant amount of time training to handle the physical requirements of the energetic role. Her willingness to participate in the action contributed to the dynamic feel of the film.

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron has earned a reputation for her incredible dedication to physical roles in films like ‘Atomic Blonde’ and ‘Mad Max Fury Road’. She performed the vast majority of her own fighting and driving stunts which required extensive martial arts training. Theron spent months learning complex choreography to ensure the fight sequences looked authentic and brutal. Her commitment to the craft often results in minor injuries that she considers part of her professional process.

Chloë Grace Moretz

Chloe Grace Moretz was only a teenager when she performed many of her own stunts in the movie ‘Kick Ass’. She spent months training with a stunt team to learn how to use butterfly knives and execute complex fight moves. Moretz continued this trend in later films by participating in the physical demands of her action roles. Her early start in stunt work established her as an actress capable of handling intense choreography.

Daisy Ridley

Daisy Ridley spent several years training in sword fighting and martial arts for her role in the ‘Star Wars’ sequel trilogy. She performed a significant portion of her lightsaber duels and physical stunts across all three films. Ridley worked with professional stunt coordinators to master the agility and strength needed for the character of Rey. Her dedication ensured that the action sequences remained grounded and character driven.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira is highly skilled in various forms of weapon combat due to her roles in ‘The Walking Dead’ and ‘Black Panther’. She spent extensive time learning how to use a katana and a spear to perform her own fight scenes. Gurira often does her own choreography to ensure that her characters movements feel natural and powerful. Her athletic background and training make her one of the most capable action actresses in the industry.

Elizabeth Olsen

Elizabeth Olsen performs many of the physical movements and wire work required for her role as Scarlet Witch in the ‘Avengers’ franchise. While many of her powers are added with digital effects she still executes the physical gestures and falls herself. Olsen trains to maintain the core strength and balance needed for the demanding wire sequences. This hands on approach allows her to maintain control over the physical performance of her character.

Emily Blunt

Emily Blunt took on a massive physical challenge when she starred in the science fiction film ‘Edge of Tomorrow’. She spent months training in weight vests and learning how to move in a heavy mechanical suit for the role. Blunt performed many of her own stunts including intense combat scenes and sprints across difficult terrain. Her preparation helped her match the high energy performance of her costar and the scale of the production.

Evangeline Lilly

Evangeline Lilly is known for her athleticism and her willingness to do her own stunts in films like ‘Ant Man and the Wasp’. she trained in various martial arts and gymnastics to prepare for the agile combat style of her character. Lilly often advocates for doing as much of her own physical work as possible to stay connected to the role. Her background in outdoor activities and fitness contributes to her ability to handle demanding action sets.

Florence Pugh

Florence Pugh performed a large amount of her own stunt work in the film ‘Black Widow’ where she played an elite assassin. She worked with the stunt team to master hand to hand combat and various grappling techniques. Pugh enjoyed the physical challenge of the role and pushed to do as many of the sequences as the production allowed. Her performance added a level of grit and realism to the characters fighting style.

Gal Gadot

Gal Gadot served in the military which provided her with a foundation for the physical demands of ‘Wonder Woman’. She performed many of her own stunts including sword fighting and complex wire work during the filming of the ‘Justice League’ movies. Gadot underwent months of training in horseback riding and martial arts to prepare for the role of the Amazonian warrior. her physical presence and ability to handle the action were key to the success of the character.

Gina Carano

Gina Carano transitioned from a career in mixed martial arts to acting and performed all of her own stunts in ‘Haywire’. Her background in professional fighting allowed the director to film her combat scenes with minimal editing and no doubles. Carano continued to use her skills in other projects like ‘Deadpool’ and ‘The Mandalorian’ where she handled intense choreography. Her authentic fighting style sets her apart from many other performers in the action genre.

Gwendoline Christie

Gwendoline Christie performed her own sword fighting and combat stunts throughout her time on ‘Game of Thrones’. Standing over six feet tall she had to learn how to move with agility while wearing heavy suits of armor. Christie spent hundreds of hours practicing with professional trainers to ensure her character looked like a seasoned knight. Her dedication to the physical reality of the role made her fight scenes some of the most memorable in the series.

Hailee Steinfeld

Hailee Steinfeld took on the role of an expert archer in the series ‘Hawkeye’ and performed many of her own stunts. She trained extensively in archery and basic combat to look convincing while handling a bow and arrow. Steinfeld also participated in the various chase sequences and physical encounters featured in the show. Her commitment to the physical aspects of the character helped bring the young hero to life.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry famously performed her own stunts and dog training sequences for the film ‘John Wick Chapter 3 Parabellum’. She spent several months training in martial arts and firearms handling to keep up with the fast paced choreography. Berry unfortunately broke several ribs during the production but continued to work through the injury to finish her scenes. Her performance was widely praised for its intensity and technical accuracy.

Hilary Swank

Hilary Swank underwent a grueling physical transformation to play a professional boxer in ‘Million Dollar Baby’. she spent hours every day in the gym and in the ring learning how to box and building muscle. Swank performed all of her own boxing sequences in the film to ensure the movements were technically correct. Her dedication earned her an Academy Award and solidified her reputation for extreme commitment to her roles.

Jaimie Alexander

Jaimie Alexander is known for performing her own stunts in the ‘Thor’ films and the television series ‘Blindspot’. She has a background in wrestling which helped her handle the physical demands of her action heavy roles. Alexander frequently does her own fight choreography and has even sustained serious injuries while performing on set. She prefers to do the work herself to maintain the integrity of the characters physical journey.

Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence learned how to climb trees and use a bow and arrow for her role in ‘The Hunger Games’. She performed many of her own stunts across the four films in the franchise including running and climbing sequences. Lawrence worked with Olympic archers and stunt professionals to ensure her skills looked professional on camera. Her hands on approach helped ground the fantastical world of the films in physical reality.

Jessica Biel

Jessica Biel performed many of her own stunts in the film ‘Blade Trinity’ where she played a vampire hunter. She underwent intense martial arts and archery training to prepare for the physically demanding action scenes. Biel is known for her high level of fitness and often seeks out roles that allow her to use her physical abilities. Her performance in the film demonstrated her capacity for handling complex fight choreography.

Kate Winslet

Kate Winslet broke records for her underwater work in the film ‘Avatar The Way of Water’. She trained with professional divers to learn how to hold her breath for over seven minutes while filming her scenes. Winslet performed many of her own movements and sequences while submerged in a massive water tank. Her dedication to the role allowed the production to capture authentic performances in a challenging environment.

Katheryn Winnick

Katheryn Winnick is a licensed bodyguard and holds high level black belts in multiple martial arts. This background allowed her to perform almost all of her own stunts as the shieldmaiden Lagertha in ‘Vikings’. She often collaborated with the stunt coordinators to create authentic fight scenes that showcased her real world skills. Winnick is one of the few actresses who can claim professional level mastery of the combat she portrays on screen.

Keira Knightley

Keira Knightley performed her own sword fighting and combat stunts in the historical action film ‘King Arthur’. She spent weeks training in various weapons and hand to hand combat to prepare for the role of a warrior. Knightley embraced the physical challenges of the production including filming in difficult weather and terrain. Her willingness to do her own stunts added a sense of grit to her portrayal of the legendary character.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart performed her own stunts for the action reboot of ‘Charlie’s Angels’ in 2019. She trained in various fighting styles and participated in high speed driving and combat sequences. Stewart enjoyed the physical nature of the role and worked closely with the stunt team to ensure her movements were precise. Her performance showed a different side of her acting range and showcased her athletic abilities.

Krysten Ritter

Krysten Ritter performed many of the fight scenes and physical stunts for the series ‘Jessica Jones’. She worked with a stunt team to learn how to portray the raw and unpolished fighting style of her character. Ritter handled the majority of the wire work and hand to hand combat featured across the three seasons of the show. Her physical performance was essential to capturing the gritty and grounded nature of the superhero series.

Linda Hamilton

Linda Hamilton became an action icon after performing her own stunts in ‘Terminator 2 Judgment Day’. She underwent a massive physical transformation and trained with military professionals to learn how to handle firearms. Hamilton did her own running and fighting and even sustained permanent hearing damage during a high intensity scene. Her commitment to the physical reality of Sarah Connor remains one of the most celebrated examples of stunt work.

Lucy Liu

Lucy Liu performed her own stunts and martial arts sequences in ‘Charlie’s Angels’ and ‘Kill Bill Volume 1’. She has a background in various fighting styles which made her a natural fit for the high energy action of these films. Liu often does her own wire work and weapon choreography to maintain the flow of the scenes. Her precision and athletic skill have made her a staple of the action genre for many years.

Mackenzie Davis

Mackenzie Davis underwent months of physical training to play an enhanced soldier in ‘Terminator Dark Fate’. She performed many of her own stunts including intense fight scenes and high speed chase sequences. Davis worked with professional stunt coordinators to master the unique movements of her character. her dedication to the physical demands of the role helped create a convincing and powerful performance.

Margot Robbie

Margot Robbie performed the vast majority of her own stunts as Harley Quinn in ‘Suicide Squad’ and ‘Birds of Prey’. She notably learned how to hold her breath for five minutes for an underwater sequence in the first film. Robbie also trained in gymnastics and roller skating to handle the character’s unique fighting and movement style. Her commitment to doing her own stunts has become a hallmark of her work in the superhero genre.

Michelle Rodriguez

Michelle Rodriguez is well known for her tough roles and her preference for doing her own stunts in the ‘Fast and Furious’ franchise. She frequently participates in fight scenes and high speed driving sequences throughout the series. Rodriguez advocates for her character’s physical agency and works hard to ensure the action looks realistic. Her long career in action films has made her one of the most experienced stunt performers among leading actresses.

Michelle Yeoh

Michelle Yeoh is a legendary figure in action cinema who became famous for performing her own stunts in Hong Kong films. She famously rode a motorcycle onto a moving train in ‘Supercop’ and performed complex wire work in ‘Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon’. Even later in her career she continues to perform much of her own choreography in projects like ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’. Yeoh is respected globally for her incredible martial arts skills and physical bravery.

Milla Jovovich

Milla Jovovich has performed most of her own stunts throughout the entire ‘Resident Evil’ film franchise. She spent over a decade training in various martial arts and weapon handling to play the character of Alice. Jovovich often participates in dangerous wire work and complex fight scenes that involve multiple opponents. Her physical dedication has helped the series maintain its reputation for high octane action and creative choreography.

Ming-Na Wen

Ming-Na Wen performed her own martial arts and combat stunts in the television series ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’. Despite being in her fifties during much of the show she maintained a rigorous training schedule to handle the physical demands. Wen is known for her precision in fight choreography and her ability to perform long takes without a double. Her performance as Melinda May showcased her incredible longevity and skill as an action performer.

Naomi Watts

Naomi Watts performed many of the physical stunts for the 2005 remake of ‘King Kong’. She spent hours being tossed around on wires and in mechanical rigs to simulate being held by the giant ape. Watts suffered several bruises and minor injuries during the production but insisted on continuing the work herself. Her physical commitment helped create the essential chemistry between her character and the digital creature.

Olivia Wilde

Olivia Wilde performed many of her own stunts and fight sequences in the science fiction film ‘Tron Legacy’. She wore a complex and restrictive light up suit while executing martial arts moves and high speed chases. Wilde trained for several months to build the agility and strength required for the digital world of the film. her willingness to handle the physical challenges of the production added to the sleek aesthetic of the movie.

Pom Klementieff

Pom Klementieff is a trained martial artist who performs her own stunts in the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ films and ‘Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning’. She often showcases her kickboxing skills in her fight scenes and handles complex choreography with ease. Klementieff enjoys the physical aspect of her roles and works closely with stunt teams to push her limits. Her background in sports and fighting makes her a natural fit for modern action blockbusters.

Rebecca Ferguson

Rebecca Ferguson performed many of her own stunts in the ‘Mission Impossible’ series including high altitude wire work and motorcycle chases. She notably filmed a scene involving a jump from the roof of the Vienna State Opera in ‘Rogue Nation’. Ferguson trains extensively for each film to ensure she can keep up with the high standards of the franchise. Her ability to perform complex stunts has made her a vital part of the action heavy series.

Ronda Rousey

Ronda Rousey brought her professional mixed martial arts experience to the big screen in ‘The Expendables 3’ and ‘Furious 7’. She performed all of her own fight choreography and stunts including intense hand to hand combat sequences. Rousey’s real world fighting skills allowed the directors to capture brutal and realistic action without the need for a double. Her presence in these films provided an authentic representation of female strength and skill.

Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson performed many of her own stunts and fight scenes during her long tenure as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She trained in gymnastics and various martial arts to master the character’s acrobatic fighting style. Johansson often worked through long filming days involving intense physical activity and wire work. Her dedication to the role helped define the character as one of the most capable heroes in the franchise.

Shailene Woodley

Shailene Woodley performed several of her own stunts in the ‘Divergent’ series including a famous scene where she jumped off a moving train. She preferred to handle the physical challenges of the role herself to better understand the character’s journey. Woodley trained in basic combat and climbing to prepare for the action sequences featured in the films. Her hands on approach added a sense of vulnerability and realism to the young adult action series.

Sigourney Weaver

Sigourney Weaver performed many of her own stunts in the ‘Alien’ franchise including physical encounters with the creature and weapon handling. She notably practiced for weeks to make a difficult over the shoulder basketball shot in ‘Alien Resurrection’ which she completed herself. Weaver is respected for her physical presence and her ability to handle demanding sets. Her portrayal of Ellen Ripley remains a gold standard for female leads in action and science fiction.

Sofia Boutella

Sofia Boutella is a professional dancer who uses her incredible flexibility and grace to perform her own stunts. She performed the majority of her fight scenes in ‘Kingsman The Secret Service’ and ‘Star Trek Beyond’. Her unique movement style allows her to execute choreography that would be difficult for most traditional stunt doubles to replicate. Boutella’s transition from dance to action has made her one of the most visually interesting performers in the industry.

Sydney Sweeney

Sydney Sweeney performed many of her own stunts in the superhero film ‘Madame Web’ including driving and combat sequences. She has a background in mixed martial arts and has been training in the sport since she was a teenager. Sweeney enjoys the physical challenge of her roles and seeks opportunities to use her athletic skills on set. Her commitment to doing her own stunts adds an extra layer of authenticity to her growing body of work.

Uma Thurman

Uma Thurman performed the majority of her own sword fighting and combat in the two part epic ‘Kill Bill’. She underwent a grueling three month training program in martial arts and Japanese swordsmanship to prepare for the role. Thurman participated in some of the most famous fight sequences in cinema history including the massive battle at the House of Blue Leaves. Her physical performance was a central element of the films’ success and visual style.

Vanessa Kirby

Vanessa Kirby performed many of her own stunts and high speed chases in ‘Mission Impossible Fallout’ and ‘Dead Reckoning’. She worked with the franchise’s elite stunt team to learn how to handle weapons and execute complex choreography. Kirby’s dedication to the physical side of her role helped her stand out in a series known for its extreme stunts. Her performance added a sophisticated and dangerous energy to the action sequences.

Zendaya

Zendaya performed much of her own trapeze work and acrobatics in the musical film ‘The Greatest Showman’. She spent months training to build the upper body strength required to perform high flying stunts without a safety net. Zendaya worked closely with professional circus performers to ensure her movements were graceful and technically accurate. Her commitment to the physical demands of the role resulted in some of the film’s most stunning visual moments.

Zhang Ziyi

Zhang Ziyi is famous for her incredible skill in wire work and traditional martial arts choreography in films like ‘Hero’ and ‘House of Flying Daggers’. She began her career with a background in dance which she utilized to perform complex and beautiful fight scenes. Zhang often spends months on set perfecting her movements to ensure they meet the high standards of wuxia cinema. Her physical elegance and precision have made her an international star of the action genre.

Zoe Saldaña

Zoe Saldana performed many of her own stunts in ‘Colombiana’ where she played a highly skilled professional assassin. She trained in various fighting styles and weapon handling to ensure she could execute the roles intense action scenes. Saldana also performs much of her own physical work in the ‘Avatar’ and ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ films through motion capture. Her athletic background and dedication to physical roles have made her a mainstay of major action franchises.

Share your favorite memories of these actresses performing their own stunts in the comments.