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Actor Adam Basil on stunts, Spielberg and Orcs 

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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.

Photo credit Luke Montana

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. 

Photo credit: snap.pah

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

‘All’s Fair’’ actress Adlih Alvarado on her significant role in the TV series and her success in filmmaking

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‘All’s Fair’, starring Naomi Watts, Niecy Nash, and Kim Kardashian, continues to generate buzz for its powerhouse cast and compelling storytelling. Among the notable performances in the series is actress Adlih Alvarado, whose appearance marks an important milestone in her acting career. Alongside her on-screen work, Adlih is also making waves behind the camera as a filmmaker, bringing a multifaceted creative perspective to her projects. We caught up with her to discuss her experience on ‘All’s Fair’, working opposite industry icons, and her growing success in filmmaking.

Adlih, how did it feel seeing yourself in the recently released episode of ‘All’s Fair’, appearing opposite Sarah Paulson and Naomi Watts?

It felt really surreal — almost like I was watching someone else with my skin acting for me! I replayed the episode so many times because I just couldn’t wrap my head around it. All the anticipation leading up to the episode made it even more exciting. I’ve learned so much from them. I’m obsessed with David Lynch, so finally meeting Naomi — and acting with her — felt like being in the clouds with the stars aligned. And Sarah… I’ve followed her work for years. Every American Horror Story season is burned into my brain. I aspire to be as versatile as she is. They were both incredibly kind and supportive. After we wrapped, Sarah double high-fived me and told me I did a good job — and honestly, no one can ever take that moment away from me.

Can you tell us more about your scene and what the experience was like behind the scenes?

Behind the scenes, it was a lot of fun. Whenever I wasn’t on camera, they offered to take me back to my holding room, but I wanted to stay in the chaos and watch everyone work. It was raining both days, and they even gave me cute rain boots. On the second day, I felt much more relaxed, especially since I didn’t have lines and was simply present in the scene. While everyone was setting up, I finally met Glenn Close, and everyone asked about my name, which felt like a small but special moment. I really wanted to observe, learn, and absorb how big productions operate. Being on a set like that was incredibly valuable.

You’re also a filmmaker — can you share more about your projects in that field?

Yes, I’m also a filmmaker. I studied acting at NYFA, but I really learned filmmaking through creating my own projects and collaborating with friends on theirs. That hands-on experience shaped how I see stories and how they’re built.

“I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has taught me along the way — from wardrobe and set design to building sets.”

I’m also a special effects makeup artist, which gives me another strong connection to the behind-the-camera world. Being on both sides of production helps me feel comfortable with the crew and understand the overall flow of a shoot.

Photo credit: Talia Bonanno

How does your work as a filmmaker influence or support your acting?

It’s a bit of a 50/50 clash. When I’m acting in my own projects, I’m already thinking about the editing room and how the story will come together. My process can look chaotic to others, but I know exactly what I want.

“When I’m acting on someone else’s project, it gives me more freedom. I can explore different choices and layers without worrying about the technical side.”

It feels like stepping into the upside-down version of the same world — but it fuels my creativity.

What’s next for you in filmmaking?

Right now, I’m focused on finishing my film ‘Blu Milk’ and getting it ready for the market — it’s definitely my biggest project so far. I also have a feature film written called ‘Where the Fish Sleep’, which I’d love to start shopping around. My short film ‘Espresso’ is finished and will be hitting festivals in early 2026. It’s my first romantic film and takes place during a chemistry read for an upcoming superhero movie. I wrote, directed, produced, edited, and acted in it — I wore all the hats on that one!

Featured photo credit: Talia Bonanno

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