Ray Stevenson may be the star of the new ''Punisher'' movie, ''Punisher : War Zone'' (The ''Rome'' star replaces Thomas Jane who opted not to return as vigilante Frank Castle a second time) but there’s another star of the show, albeit unseen – Jeff Wolfe, the veteran stuntman who doubles for the bulky Stevenson. CLINT MORRIS caught up with the expert daredevil to talk about his involvement in this year’s most brutal comic-book movie!
How did you get involved in The Punisher War Zone?
I received a call from Lionsgate that the Director, Lexi Alexander, saw my stuff from her long-time Stunt Coordinator friend Pat Johnson. I had no Idea what the show was, so when they told me it was a new take on The Punisher, I did my best not to completely geek out! I’d been a fan of the comic since I was a kid, and from what Lexi told me of her vision of Frank Castle, I immediately wanted in!
Is a requirement for stuntmen/women to look a little like the actor they’re doubling for?
Yes, height and build have to be pretty similar. The face isn’t so important, that would be asking a lot. I got lucky with Ray because we are the same size head to toe. We’ve done two films together now and most people who meet us think we’re related, although that could be more about our interaction as friends…I’m the little brother he never wanted! [Laughs]
What kind of relationship did you and Ray have- close, or was he a little jealous that he wasn’t the one getting to do the ‘fun’ stuff?
Our relationship was unlike any I’ve seen in fourteen years of film work. Ray and I met in Montreal six weeks before starting the film. We were there to train together, choreograph fights, and learn Franks’ military style from Jon Barton of Gunmetal. A few nights into the training we met on the rooftop patio of our hotel and Ray proceeded to tell me that I was going to be sharing the role of The Punisher with him! Most stunt doubles, especially in action roles understand that although this may be the truth, it’s never recognized, let alone verbalised by the lead of the film! He went on to say how important it was going to be, to be seamless on screen and therefore I would be privy to his character and the choices he’d made to portray, that way whoever is in front of the camera for a scene, Frank Castle was always the same. It’s brilliant, really, but too few actors have the self-confidence to see that stunt people only add to their characters’ world. We have an understanding… I don’t speak for him, and he doesn’t jump off buildings for me!
Tell me about some of the ‘fun’ stuff you got to do in the new film?
Well, I showed up to a table full of almost every kind of automatic weapon imaginable. J.B. ( Barton from Gunmetal) put me through the ringer with all kinds of tactical combat stuff ( sorry, not the technical term!). I’m sure you’ve seen the Chandelier hang with the twin guns… that was awesome to do! And the jump across the alleyway from the fourth floor scaffolding to the second floor balcony, that was great also. Of course, being that it was about 20 degrees outside, I was just happy to finally crash through the boards and window and get inside!! The thing that was most fun though, was the first time I put the vest on. When you know a character that well, and you look in the mirror and you’re him, It’s like every kids dream of being the super-hero… nothing tops that!
You’re also a martial-artist. Were you required to use it for this film?
Well, Frank is a bear. Fluid and smooth he ‘aint, so I needed to reign in on some of my martial arts flash and incorporate more of a heavy-weight boxer mentality to his moves. Ray was great with this because he knew him so well from the start, it made it easy to come up with what Frank would do in any given situation. There’s no butterfly kicks coming from Castle… it just doesn’t work!
Have you seen the film yet? How’s it look –action packed?
I’ve seen some cuts a couple of months ago. That was before it was locked and had the soundtrack and it was fantastic then! I can’t wait to see the final! Ray and I had a running joke that we were keeping a body count of the bad guys… let’s just say halfway through, we had to give that up! It’s what a Punisher film should be, let me just say that.
How did you get into the stunt-game?
I played the role of Billy the kid in Once Upon a Time in China and America opposite Jet Li. Sammo Hung directed it and took me to Hong Kong after. We did a horrible Van Damme movie called Knock Off, then it was back to the states to do Martial Law the T.V. show. I was a starving actor, paying the bills by teaching martial arts when a few stunt guys I was beating up told me I should think about doing stunts… the rest as they say…;-)
And what kind of martial-arts do you do? Also, which film showcases your martial-arts the best?
I started with Ju-Jitsu for seven years when I was fourteen, then moved to Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido and finally Wushu for weapons and all the flash that film requires. Any time you see a fall or roll that looks like it would have hurt, I have the Ju-Jitsu to thank for being able to get back up again! I guess the weapon work has been showcased best in all the Pirates of the Caribbean films I’ve been blessed to do, as well as The Scorpion King with the Rock. I doubled the bad guy and did all the double sword work.
Ever had any serious injuries?
Cracked ribs, broken fingers, pinched nerves, bone bruises, torn ACL, sprained ankles, etc… nothing serious.
Who is the best actor you’ve worked with?
I’ve worked with some greats in the business. Johnny Depp, Pierce Brosnan, Sam Jackson, Viggo Mortensen, Jackie chan and so on… All great guys who are fantastic at what they do. I would have to say that Ray stands out to me though, because not only is he amazing at what he does ( have you seen ROME?? Pullo Kills! ) but he’s a man’s man. Not an ounce of prima donna there. He’s lived a real life and I think that’s what gives him so much to draw on in his characters. Sorry if it sounds like I’m biased, with the film and all, but any way I cut it, it’s the truth!
What’s next for you, Jeff?
There are some things on the table right now, but my hope is Punisher hits big and we can do more! I’m selfish… I just want to put the skull back on!
