Tom Holland and Matt Damon Discuss Favorite Stunts and Stunt Performers on 'Goat Talk

Tom Holland and Matt Damon recently discussed their favorite stunts on shoots during a conversation on Complex’s “Goat Talk.” Damon shared that jumping off a bridge in “The Bourne Supremacy” was his top stunt. Holland, on the other hand, revealed that his favorite stunt involved a risky move called a Dead Man, which he was advised against attempting. Despite the cameraman missing the action, Holland successfully executed the stunt, leaving him winded and in pain.
The Dead Man stunt involves tying oneself to a fixed point and running away from it, allowing the line to go taut and then snapping back. Holland's decision to perform the stunt himself instead of relying on CGI surprised many, including Damon. The physical and mental challenge of the stunt was evident, as Holland experienced intense discomfort after the quick and impactful maneuver.
Damon, who had not attempted the Dead Man stunt himself, acknowledged the difficulty of the move based on conversations with stunt performers who had executed similar stunts during the Battle of Troy sequence in “The Odyssey.” The level of commitment and physical strain required for such stunts was emphasized by Damon's stunt double, Gago, who described it as one of the most challenging aspects of their work.
Despite the risks and challenges associated with performing stunts like the Dead Man, both Holland and Damon expressed admiration for the dedication and skill of stunt performers who execute such feats. Their conversation shed light on the intense physical and mental demands of stunt work in the film industry, highlighting the often overlooked contributions of these talented professionals.