We Speak Actors

Actor Adam Basil on stunts, Spielberg and Orcs

Published

2 years ago

January 10, 2023

Hollywood actor and stunt performer Adam Basil has appeared in movies and TV shows including ‘Beauty and the Beast’, ‘No Time to Die’ and ‘Game of Thrones’. His other credits include ‘Venom: Let There Be Carnage’, ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’, ‘Kingsman: The Golden Circle’ and ‘Spider-Man: Far from Home’, as well as several ‘Fast & Furious’ movies. He talked to us about his gruelling stunt work, the celebrities he gets to work alongside, the secrets of prosthetics and how being big and bulky has been the making of his career.

How did you get into the film industry?

After working in the theatre and in other jobs (including yacht delivery!), by coincidence I happened upon a stuntman and actor who told me about the British Stunt Register. In the UK, there’s a qualification process for stuntmen and women – you have to be at national level in six different sporting disciplines. It took me many years to complete my training and qualify as a stuntman.

Which celebrities have you worked with?

I’ve worked with lots of well-known actors and directors – Steven Spielberg, Tom Cruise, Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Samuel L Jackson, Ryan Reynolds, and many more.

What have been your favourite projects?

My favourite project so far was working with Andy Serkis when I played Venom.

“I also played the Beast in ‘Beauty and the Beast’, and Baloo in ‘The Jungle Book’. Playing a death trooper in ‘Rogue One’ was a challenging role due to the costumes being very restrictive.”

And I really enjoyed playing the body double for Will Smith in ‘Aladdin’ – yep, that big blue body is mine! I did four seasons of ‘Game of Thrones’ and stunt-doubled for the Hound and the Mountain. I had four hours of prosthetics from the great Barry Gower, the mastermind who created the amazing characters you see on those programmes.

Who’s your inspiration?

I grew up on a diet of films like ‘ET’ and ‘Indiana Jones’ and always loved the work of Steven Spielberg. His epic adventures gripped me from an early age, and I had the luck of working with him on ‘Ready Player One’.

What advice would you give someone who wants to become a stuntman and actor?

I’d say think long and hard if it is the job for you. The hours are gruelling, and after long days at work you’ll usually find us in the gym. If that excites you, then get involved by contacting the British Register, or if you’re in America contact SAG to find out how to join us!

What’s your most recent project?

This year, when Penguin released the new Judge Dredd audiobooks, I played the voice of Judge Dredd. We recorded three audiobooks in three days, and one of the scripts alone was 160 pages. I also acted in ‘The Beekeeper’ with Jason Statham, I’m an Ork in the new ‘Lord of the Rings’ franchise and I’m in HBO’s ‘The Last Of Us’. I’m also a guest lead in ‘Django’, a new Sky Atlantic series coming out in February.

What training do you do to prepare for films?

Films are intense – we work six days a week, sometimes seven.

“When working on ‘Beauty and the Beast’, I worked 21 days straight. The days are long – 10 hours minimum, plus travelling to and from work – and we sometimes have to change our body weight for a role.”

For example in ‘Beauty and the Beast’ the Beast is very big, so I was encouraged to bulk up for the role to make the character more menacing. I’d eat 4,20 calories a day and lift weights twice a day, five days a week. For other roles we can be asked to lose weight to fit into costumes that can’t be changed to accommodate the performer. My size has worked well for me, as I’m 6ft4in and weigh 110kg, which helps me get roles and has meant I have travelled all over the world with my work.

Featured photo credit: Andy Serkis

We Speak Actors

‘Elkhorn’ star Travis Lee Eller talks Westerns, character-building, and the art of the perfect hat

Published

1 week ago

February 12, 2025

Anna Sutton

Travis Lee Eller isn’t just an actor—he’s a storyteller deeply immersed in the world of Westerns, both on-screen and off. Whether portraying rugged frontiersmen or crafting authentic, weathered cowboy hats through his business, Ugly Outlaw Hats, Eller understands that every detail—especially the right hat—helps define a character. Currently, you can catch him in ‘The Rebel’, a Star Wars fan film directed by Casey Oberhansli, now streaming on YouTube. Later this year, he’ll appear in two Western short films, ‘Darlin’’ and ‘Stubborn’, both directed by Robert Gamperl and set to make the film festival rounds before landing on streaming platforms. And, of course, fans of ‘Elkhorn’ can look forward to season two, premiering in late 2025 produced by Morningstar Entertainment on the INSP Network. We caught up with Eller to talk about his career, the legacy of Westerns in Hollywood, and why the perfect hat is more than just an accessory—it’s the finishing touch that brings a character to life.

You’re known for acting in Western film and TV projects. Which ones are you most proud of?

I don’t think I play favorites when it comes to my projects. What I remember most are the experiences on set, the incredible people I’ve worked with, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. Each project pushes me to grow as an actor. That said, I’m especially proud of my latest script, ‘No Man Was Civilized’. It’s a story I’ve spent years developing, and I’m excited to see where it goes.

What are you working on at the moment?

Right now, I’m filming season two of Elkhorn for the INSP Network. The series takes place in the 1880s and follows a young Teddy Roosevelt as he ventures west to prove himself as a cowboy. I play Joe Ferris, the town shopkeeper, and the story is rooted in true events. The new season is set to premiere in late 2025. Beyond acting, I recently finished writing a Western feature film called ‘No Man Was Civilized’, which weaves together four short stories into a single, cohesive narrative. Writing has been a long but rewarding process, and I can’t wait to see it take shape.

Your business, Ugly Outlaw Hats, is also connected to Western projects. In what way?

My hats are known for their worn, distressed look—it’s a craft I’ve spent years perfecting. Over time, actors, directors, and costume designers have reached out for custom pieces to fit specific characters. I even wear my own designs in my work. In fact, the hat I’m wearing in ‘Elkhorn’ season two is one of mine. I’ve always believed that in a Western, the hat is the final touch that defines a character. It tells a story before a single word is spoken.

How do you balance your business and acting career?

During my downtime, I’m usually making hats.The two never really interfere with each other—if anything, hat-making is therapeutic for me. I often find myself running lines in my head while working in my studio. If it weren’t for acting, I probably wouldn’t have started my business in the first place. Over time, I’ve found a rhythm that allows me to balance both without feeling overwhelmed.

What advice would you give to actors who want to appear in Westerns?

Every actor has their own approach to storytelling, character development, and capturing the right tone. There’s no single “right way” to do it. But for me, my love of Westerns comes from a deep passion for that era of American history. I grew up in a household where Westerns were always on TV, so it became part of my DNA. If I had to give one practical piece of advice? Don’t wear your hat backward. I see it happen in movies and TV shows all the time, and it always makes me cringe a little.

What upcoming projects do you have?

Right now, you can watch me in ‘The Rebel’, a Star Wars fan film directed by Casey Oberhansli, available on YouTube. Later this year, I’ll be in Darlin’ and Stubborn, two Western short films directed by Robert Gamperl, both of which will hit the festival circuit before streaming. And, of course, Elkhorn season two arrives in late 2025, produced by Morningstar Entertainment.

Beyond that, my agent, Beverly Brock, is always pitching me for new opportunities. I’m excited for whatever comes next and grateful for every step of the journey.

Featured photo credit: Morgan Weistling