I’m a Hollywood stunt double for Chris Hemsworth — and it’s more than squeezing into a superhero suit
BOBBY Holland Hanton, 34, lives in London with his wife Rachel, 29, a beauty therapist.
After two years of training, he became a Hollywood stunt double for Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Craig. But, Bobby insists the job is much more than putting on a superhero suit.
"Standing on top of a building dressed as Batman, I peered nervously over the edge. Below me was a 100ft drop, but I needed to keep a clear head. As the director shouted ‘Action!’, I took a deep breath and jumped. Slamming into the crash mat seconds later I heard applause – I’d nailed it on the first take.
"Becoming one of Hollywood’s leading stuntmen takes a lot more than squeezing into a superhero suit and leaping off ledges.
"Throughout my teens I trained as a gymnast and did some modelling, but aged 20 I decided to try my hand at stunts, as I was a bit of a thrill-seeker and thought it would be perfect for me.
"It meant I had to reach instructor level in a minimum of six skills – I did kick-boxing, high diving, acrobatics, trampolining, parkour and swimming – dedicating hours to mastering them.
"Finally, in 2007, after two years of training, I auditioned for my first stunt job on the new James Bond film. I had to perform high jumps and gymnastics as well as camera tests.
"A few weeks later I was gob-smacked when I was offered the part of Daniel Craig’s stunt double. While my family were thrilled, they also knew how dangerous my new career could be so warned me to be careful.
"I was apprehensive stepping on to the set of Quantum Of Solace in January 2008, but everyone was so welcoming, including Daniel, who was really down to earth. My first stunt took place in the slums of Panama, and I had to leap from one three-storey balcony to another with no safety equipment, as it would get in the way of the shot.
"We rehearsed at ground level for hours before climbing up to the rooftop at 2am, where I had to free jump into the dark. I was terrified, but the adrenaline rush was incredible.
"After Bond, my next big stunt job was in November 2009, when I flew to New Orleans to double for Ryan Reynolds in The Green Lantern. From there I went on to work with Chris Evans in Captain America and Christian Bale in The Dark Knight Rises.
"However, my most life-changing role was in 2013 when I doubled for Chris Hemsworth in Thor: Dark World. Getting into shape for it was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever had to do, especially since Chris is 2in taller than me and hugely muscular.
"Every morning and night I’d be in the gym, and I had to eat eight meals a day. For breakfast I’d have scrambled eggs with steak and spinach, then two hours later chicken breast and salad before a big lunch and dinner, as well as snacks throughout the day.
"It was intense training alongside Chris, but he had a wicked sense of humour and was always cracking jokes, which helped keep stress levels down. We got on so well he bought me a watch as a thank-you gift, and decided to include me in his contract as his stunt double for all future movies, which was a huge honour.
"In 2014 I met Rachel at a mixed martial arts exhibition, and having Chris as a friend definitely won me some boyfriend points! The first time I introduced them I could tell she was nervous, but now our families are good friends.
"When we’re filming we often go out for dinner and drinks with Chris and his wife Elsa.
"Getting injured is part and parcel of the job. On the set of Thor: Ragnarok in 2017 I snapped my groin muscle off the bone while filming a scene with the Hulk.
"I’ve also had two discs in my back replaced and an internal cage inserted around my lower back due to wear and tear.
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"But aside from the dangers, one of the hardest parts of the job is keeping spoilers a secret. I knew how both Avengers: Infinity War and End Game finished way before everyone else and had to remember to keep my mouth shut.
"Rachel and I always watch my films together and have great fun trying to spot when Chris is really me.
"One day I hope to become a fitness trainer, as I know I can’t still be throwing myself into walls at 70.
"But for now, running around with a hammer pretending to be Thor is pretty cool, and I don’t plan to give that up any time soon.”
BTW
- UK stunt people need to be on the British Stunt Register
- All doubles need to hold a black or brown belt in martial arts.
- Catch Bobby as Chris’ double in new movie Men In Black: International.
- Bobby and Chris Hemsworth have launched Centr, a personalised digital health and fitness programme. Follow .