On the occasion of the spin-off of Fast and Furious, Hobbs & Shaw, the stuntman Jean-Paul Ly did me the honor to answer a few questions. Present on the set of David Leitch’s film to choreograph an action sequence with Jason Statham, Jean-Paul Ly also gave us a look back on his career, his experience on the filming of Marvel Studios’ film, Doctor Strange, and his upcoming film role, in the adaptation of the fantasy novel, Artemis Fowl.
How does one become a stuntman? What is your background?
We start by producing our own ‘show’ (video demonstrating our physical skills) and we usually start with short films and then independent films. I think I speak for 99% of the typical course of stuntmen!
You are also an actor, what is the most difficult, actor or stuntman?
Even if it seems very close, these two jobs are drastically incomparable in terms of skills. Stuntman is completely focused on the physical, it is a job where you are asked to perform an action and simulate an accident, the opposite of the profession of comedian, where we expect an emotional performance and expression. Both require a lot of time, practice.
I would not answer which is the most difficult but the one that excites me the most: actor.
DOCTOR STRANGE
Being a big fan of the Marvel universe, I read in your filmography that you worked in collaboration with the studio on the movie Doctor Strange, as a stuntman. Can you tell us how you were embarked on this incredible adventure?
I was called to work on a code-named movie « Checkmate » , to welcome and assist auditions for actors, and other stunt liners. I thought I would be here for a few days, and that would stop there.
I was then informed that the combat choreographer was Jonathan Eusebio (Iron Man 2, Avengers 1, all John Wick, etc …), who asked me to demonstrate my skills. The result pleased him and he offered me to work full time with their team for the next 7 months. I said yes of course! (laughter)
You have trained Benedict Cumberbatch and Tilda Swinton, what was the program of your days?
We had a very strict training routine every morning with the whole team (without the actors), where we were learning Penchak Silat. Then, during the day’s schedule, each actor had to be trained for his conditioning and choreography: weapons, kata, kicks, etc., sometimes in groups or only in small groups, according to their requests.
Benedict Cumberbatch, Mads Mikkelsen, Tilda Swinton and Chiwetel Ejiofor underwent rigorous training during the 2 months of pre-production. I worked under the tutelage of Jonathan, and had to repeat the choreography with the actors (the equivalent of giving the reply to an actor during the rehearsals). It was really stressful but at the same time very rewarding. They listened and gave their best to live up to the roles they played.
For my part, I tried to stay professional in front of Tilda Swinton, who is an actress I admire a lot!
HOBBS & SHAW
Recently, you were involved in shooting the Fast and Furious spin-off: Hobbs & Shaw, what was your role as a stuntman?
I had the opportunity to work on Hobbs & Shaw for a group action scene where Jason Statham faces several opponents, a sequence that was also unveiled in the last trailer.
We shot at Shepperton Studio in London, and that’s all I can say now!
What are the steps in the choreographic construction of scenes from an action movie like Hobbs & Shaw? Where do we start?
Before being a director, David Leitch was a stuntman coordinator with more than 20 years of expertise, which guarantees a special attention to action scenes.
Depending on the script and location, fighting choreographer Greg Regmenter plans a 1st draft of the scene. Then we had to rehearse with Jason, and the choreography was moving in that direction. I find that the choreographer did a great job in her structure, alternating badass / comedy and vice-versa. Everything is well paced, but I’ll let you judge for yourself!
Have there been any difficulties on the filming?
It is very rare that I say that but there were no problems on the set (particularly on my stage). Everything was controlled and organized.
I want to emphasize that the level of expertise of the action team of the film is unprecedented and considered the best in the world for the screen fighting (Endgame, Infinity War, Black Panther, Deadpool 2 and the list s’ extends much more!).
How are Jason Statham and The Rock during a shooting? (laughter)
They were both super nice, always swinging valves, but real pros. It had a great atmosphere, very relaxed. The Rock is even more impressive in person.
A few years ago, I had the chance to interview Karl Landler, who had been a stuntman on one of the parts of the Transporter franchise. He told me that Jason Statham did all his stunts himself. Is it not a legend?
Yes, he is a very physical actor, who surprised me during the shoot by performing whole choreographies in a shot, a difficult exercise because, if a single movement does not pass to the camera then the take is not usable. Usually, the actors perform only 3 movements per shot, then, the cascading liners do the rest. Jason went all the way, and every time. The legend is true!
ARTEMIS FOWL
Coming soon, you will see the adaptation of the fantasy novel, Artermis Fowl. Without revealing too much, can you tell us what role you will play in this production?
I had the opportunity to play the role of Nguyen, a character from the first book, and to work under the direction of Kenneth Branagh. A week of shooting in Vietnam (first day of filming in fact) before finishing in London.
This experience has brought me a lot. It was a kind of live acting-masterclass with Kenneth Branagh! During my resting day in London, I asked the production a rather specific request, thinking that it would be refused: to be on the set and watch Mr. Branagh work. And that has been accepted. I was even greeted by Mr. Branagh himself. I cannot complain! (laughter)
