Chatting one-on-one exclusively with Comicus, stuntman Matthew LeFevour discussed doubling for Aussie actor Chris Hemsworth once more, this time for Marvel Studios' superhero teamup of a lifetime, The Avengers. Also praising writer-director Joss Whedon, dotting on on-set experiences and more, check it out below!
What were your feelings taking part of another movie from Marvel Studios, with such an important cast? What was it like working with Chris Hemsworth again? "Marvel did it again. They put together an all-star cast with a story that will keep people coming back for more. I am very fortunate to be a part of another one of their films. Chris never fails to amaze me. He is the biggest reason that I have been a part of these films and that helps motivate me throughout."
And again, after only some months, with stunts Paul Lacovara and Kylie Furneaux? "Hopefully Paul and I will see a lot more of each other. We are quite familiar with each of our styles and that plays out well in our stunt scenes. Kylie was there for a moment, Alex Chansky and Troy Brenna were back from Thor as well. The team in general was kick ass. We had R.A. Rondell leading us, great assistant and 2nd unit stunt coordinators, an amazing fight team, and some of the best stuntmen in the business. All of this led to a high intensity work setting and some amazing footage."
What can you tell us about the director, Joss Whedon, and the rest of the cast? "This was my first time working with Joss. He had his hands full working with such a talented group. I can only imagine the day in day out routine had to be dizzying. Everyone wants this to be a huge success and that burden, in the public eye, falls on his shoulders. Top down there was a great attitude each and every day."
How long have you worked for The Avengers? How many sets did you work on for this film? "I worked on the Avengers for five plus months. The training to get ready for the Avengers started three months prior. I never get out of shape but, I have walked around at 195-200 lbs most of my adult life and I need to hit 220 and lean to double Chris. This time around I worked on 90% of the sets. That is a guess but, there were not too many that I missed. Cleveland rocks! In many senses that is. Some of it was due to us blowing things up and the rest of it is due to some good mid west hospitality."
Can you tell us, and without revealing too much about the story, a funny or great moment during the shooting? "I'm not going to say anything related to the story .... the previews are out as well as some amateur footage from Cleveland. One of the funniest moments happened in the stunt team training facility. The smallest guy on the team, Sunny, was harnessed in part of the hulk suit, in which he couldn't even see out of the eye holes, and well we left him hanging; literally. The harnesses are not comfortable, he had an extra 50lbs of weight on him at least, and we dangled him for a bit. Maybe you had to be there but, I'm smiling just thinking about it."
What are your next projects? Have you and Hemsworth ever talked about Thor 2? "I have worked on some smaller projects since then. As of now, I have several other endeavors keeping me busy. Chris and I usually catch up on life things when we chat. Thor 2, who knows. I'll be smiling either way!"
Marvel Studios presents in association with Paramount Pictures “Marvel’s The Avengers”--the super hero team up of a lifetime, featuring iconic Marvel super heroes Iron Man, the Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins.
Starring Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Samuel L. Jackson, & directed by Joss Whedon from a screenplay by Joss Whedon, “Marvel’s The Avengers” is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series “The Avengers,” first published in 1963 and a comics institution ever since. Prepare yourself for an exciting event movie, packed with action and spectacular special effects, when “Marvel’s The Avengers” assemble on May 4, 2012. The film is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. In addition to "Marvel's The Avengers," Marvel Studios will release a slate of films based on the Marvel characters including "Iron Man 3" on May 3, 2013!; and “Thor 2” on November 15, 2013.
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