Nollywood actor Stan Nze has sparked conversations in the film industry after declaring that risking one’s life for a movie role is an act of “stupidity.”
The actor, known for his versatility and widely acclaimed role in Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story, stressed that while authenticity is important in acting, safety must never be compromised.
In a recent interview with The Nation, Nze explained that the use of professional stunt performers in film production exists for a reason. According to him, it is both unwise and unnecessary for actors to take on dangerous tasks when there are specialists trained and paid to do so.
“Why would I risk my life jumping from a dangerous height in a movie?” he asked rhetorically. “Jumping characters are done by stunt guys. That’s their job. They are called stunt actors who are well paid for such roles. They have the experience of how to jump and do other things.”
The actor further argued that the pursuit of fame or recognition should not drive an actor into life-threatening stunts. “I’m not going to be foolish and jump a dangerous height just because I want to be the best actor in Africa, and then people go do one minute of silence and move on. It is stupidity,” he remarked.
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Across global film industries, from Hollywood to Bollywood, stunt performers play a crucial role in delivering thrilling action scenes without exposing lead actors to unnecessary danger.
These professionals are trained in martial arts, gymnastics, car chases, high jumps, and other dangerous maneuvers. Their expertise, combined with safety equipment and rehearsed choreography, ensures that audiences enjoy breathtaking action while minimizing risk to lives.
Nze emphasized that Nollywood should not deviate from this industry standard. He noted that while dedication to one’s craft is commendable, it should not come at the cost of one’s safety. “I will only do the ones I’m meant to do, so that the stunt men can do their job too,” he stated.
In recent years, Nollywood has made significant strides in action filmmaking. Productions such as Shanty Town, Brotherhood, and Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story have showcased elaborate fight sequences, car chases, and explosive stunts.
With streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime amplifying Nollywood’s global reach, there has been increased pressure on filmmakers to deliver high-quality visuals that match international standards.
However, the industry still faces challenges regarding budget constraints, safety protocols, and the availability of skilled stunt coordinators. In many low-budget productions, actors sometimes take risks themselves, either to save costs or to make scenes appear more authentic. This, according to Nze, is where the line must be drawn.
“It is one thing to be committed to your role, but it’s another thing entirely to be reckless. We must remember that this is still a job, and safety is key,” he cautioned.Nze’s comments echo long-standing debates in Hollywood, where even some of the biggest stars are known to delegate extreme stunts to professionals.
While actors like Tom Cruise and Jackie Chan are famous for performing many of their own stunts, they remain exceptions rather than the rule, and even then, their films often involve state-of-the-art safety equipment and teams of coordinators to minimize risks.
Several tragic incidents in Hollywood history, including fatal on-set accidents, have reinforced the importance of strict safety guidelines. The late Paul Walker’s death during a car accident, though off-set, brought renewed attention to the dangers of high-speed sequences in films like Fast & Furious. Similarly, stunt doubles themselves have sometimes suffered injuries while executing dangerous tasks, highlighting the inherent risks of the profession.
Nze’s firm stance can be seen as a call for increased professionalism within Nollywood’s fast-growing action scene. By emphasizing the role of stunt actors, he highlights the need for productions to invest in proper planning, training, and safety protocols rather than expecting lead actors to take unnecessary risks.
His comments also serve as a reminder that acting is about performance and emotional connection, not physical recklessness. As he put it, “I will only do the ones I’m meant to do.”
With Nollywood’s global presence expanding, the actor’s perspective is timely. The industry has an opportunity to standardize best practices, ensuring that the push for thrilling action does not overshadow the importance of safety.
For Stan Nze, the message is clear: talent and professionalism should never be measured by how far an actor is willing to risk their life.
