World • 4h ago
The secret lives of six body doubles: ‘They wanted Julia Roberts to have curvier legs’
**The Hidden Lives of Body Doubles in Nollywood and Hollywood**
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of your favorite movies and TV shows? Apart from the stunt doubles that we're familiar with, there are many other doubles working in the industry to make the magic happen. They are the ones who step in when an actor doesn't want to do an intimate scene, can't play a musical instrument, or needs help driving a car. In this article, we'll take a peek into the secret lives of six body doubles who share their experiences working in the film industry.
**Michael B. Jordan's Twin**
Meet Percy Bell, a 35-year-old actor from Nashville, Tennessee, who just so happened to be the exact same height and build as Oscar winner Michael B. Jordan. Bell landed a role as Jordan's body double in the movie "Sinners," where Jordan plays twin brothers Smoke and Stack. Bell had never worked as a double before, but he thought deeply about how to play each twin, even creating playlists to help him get into character. He was thrilled to discover that one of the songs he had chosen for Stack was also on Jordan's playlist. The chemistry between the two was undeniable, thanks to their similarities.
**The Curvy Legs of Julia Roberts**
In a fascinating revelation, we learn that body doubles can even change the physical appearance of an actor. For instance, when Julia Roberts was filming a movie, the producers asked for her to have curvier legs. A body double was hired to step in and show off Roberts' character's new look. This is just one example of how body doubles can be used to enhance an actor's physical appearance without them having to do anything themselves.
**Nigerian Context**
In Nollywood, body doubles are also a common occurrence. Many actors have body doubles who help them with scenes that require a specific physicality, such as stunts or action scenes. For example, some movie producers might ask for a body double to play the role of a character who needs to be injured or ill, without putting the lead actor at risk. This is a great way to ensure the safety of our actors while still delivering an exciting and engaging performance.
**The Secret Lives of Body Doubles**
Working as a body double can be a challenging and nuanced experience. It requires the ability to line up movements with the lead actor's, while also bringing your own unique energy to the scene. Body doubles like Percy Bell and others we've mentioned have shared their experiences, revealing the complexities and joys of this often-hidden profession. Next time you're watching your favorite movie or TV show, remember the body doubles who worked behind the scenes to make the magic happen.