What is a Stunt Double in 2025

When you are watching an action movie, you are not just watching the actors‘ performances but also the unsung heroes of the film industry: the stunt doubles. They’re the ones who take the risks, perform the dangerous stunts, and risk their lifes and bodies to make the movie or tv show appear as real and thrilling as possible.

In this article, we’ll delve into the lives of stunt doubles, addressing all your inquiries on who are they, what do they do, and how do doubles keep themselves safe while performing dangerous stunts.

What is a Stunt Double?

A stunt double is a professional stunt person who is trained to do dangerous stunts in place of an actor in a movie or television show. The stunt is hired to perform the scenes that are too risky or dangerous for the actor to perform, such as jumping from buildings, racing cars, or hand-to-hand combat.

While the actor may do some of their own stunts, it’s usually the double who does the more dangerous or complicated stunts. This allows the actor to focus on their acting without endangering themselves.

What Does a Stunt Double Do?

Stuntmen/women perform more than just performing risky stunts.

Among some of the major responsibilities of a stunt double are:

Practice of stunts: Before shooting the scenes, the stunt double will work with the stuntcoordinator in order to practice the stunts so that they’re executed without fault and with safety.
Shooting stunts: Once it’s time to shoot the stunts, the double will replace the actor, executing the stunt as the cameras roll.
Safety measures: Stunts are trained to safely perform hazardous stunts. They are equipped with safety gear, use specialized equipment, and work alongside trained professionals to eliminate the possibility of injury.
Working with actors: Stunt doubles can work extensively with the actors to ensure that their actions and movements are replicating the actions of the actor they are doubling.
Problem-solving: Stunt doubles have to be prepared to think on the spot and resolve problems quickly. If something goes wrong during the performance of a stunt, they have to be able to respond instantly and correct things quickly.

How Do Stunt People Stay Safe?

Stunts perform some of the most dangerous and challenging work on sets in the business, so there is a definite need for them to do certain things in order to remain safe. The following are some of the ways that stunt doubles stay safe working on sets:

Training: Stunt people undergo extensive training in all types of skills, from martial arts to driving to high falls. Training allows them to master the skills they need to perform stunts safely and effectively.
Protective gear: Stunt performers use various protective gear, including helmets, pads, and harnesses, to minimize the risk of injury while performing stunts.
Specialized equipment: Stunt doubles use specialized equipment, like wire rigs and airbags, to perform stunts with no damage and minimize the risk of injury.
Communication: Stunt doubles communicate with the director, fight choreographer or Stunt coordinator, and other crew to ensure everyone is informed when it comes to the stunts. They stay in contact and communicate constantly to ensure things run smoothly.
FAQ’s

How much do stunt persons get paid?

Stunt doubles pay can vary depending on experience level, the size of the production, and the complexity of stunts performed. Stunt performers, according to the Screen Actors Guild, can earn a daily rate of $1,005 for simple stunts and as much as $2,588 for stunts with added complexity. Rate variation can depend on the project as well as on the performer’s level of experience. If the stunts are very dangerous there will be adjustments added to the job also if the stunts are to be perfomed several times there will be a rate negotiated by the Stunt Coordinator.

How do you become a stunt double?

To become a stunt, you would typically require athletic, gymnastic, or a related physical activity background. You will also need to train extensively in stunts, such as high falls, fight choreography, and car stunts. Many stunt players also come from acting or dance backgrounds, as these can allow them to perform their roles more convincingly. Industry networking and relationship-building is also required in order to gain work as a stunt double.

Do all actors use stunt doubles?

Not every performer uses a double, although most of them do and have to according to rules and personal safety. Some performers can and are willing to perform their own stunts, while others are not able to, due to injury, physical limitations, or for safety reasons. Additionally, some productions require stunt doubles utilized for the sake of insurance or as precaution against lawsuits. Ultimately, it depends on the performer and the production company.

Is being a stunt double dangerous?

Yes, stunt doubling is dangerous. Doubles regularly perform high-risk stunts involving falls, fire, and other hazards. Even with extensive training and safety precautions, there is always a risk of injury or death. Stunt people learn to minimize risk, and most have specialized skills and equipment to allow them to perform their stunts safely.