Q: So, do you want to go up in the second tallest building in the world?
A: Not particularly.
Q: Do you want to go out on the roof?
A: Why would I want to do that?
Q: Do you want to jump off?
A: Nope. Obviously.
Q: What if we build a big safety rig and man it with a dozen stunt professionals?
A: Still nope. And why isn't one of them doing this?
Everyone knows that Tom Cruise does a ton of his own insane stunts. He's an anomaly and for good reason.
If Cruise gets hurt or dies while getting his latest adrenaline fix, hundreds of people would be thrown out of work as production is paused or even scrapped on whatever 300 million dollar film he's on at the time.
As a general rule, I am not a fan of big name actors doing the really dangerous stunt work, for that exact reason. I can't tell you how many articles I've read about productions that had to pause because (insert big name actor here) got hurt during a fight sequence or some other stunt sequence.
Why risk it? These days, between slick camera work, CGI and deepfake technology, there's little need to put so many people's livelihoods (not to mention the actor themselves) at risk, particularly on a big blockbuster with a capable CGI team. Most Hollywood Health and Safety departments would agree.
Star of the big movie does what?
I have great respect for Ms. Pugh's bravery in doing this. I really do. I'm pretty sure you could pay me what she's making for the movie and I'd still say nope to jumping off that building. And I used to climb telephone poles for a living.
I just think it is unnecessary and more than a little selfish of her. While a stunt person's life is as valuable as hers, if a stunt performer gets hurt or dies, there's a professional pride taken in having that film or show go on to completion in honour of that performer. Risk is their business and they get paid for being willing to risk life and limb.
If the star of the show is hurt or killed, a lot more people suffer directly as a result.
All that said, Thunderbolts* looks pretty damned good and I'm looking forward to seeing it!
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