At 75, Arnold Schwarzenegger continues to rock the house in the new series Fubar by multiplying fights, falls, pursuits and explosions. All this, thanks to the work of Quebec stunt coordinator Jean-François Lachapelle.
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Jean-François Lachapelle rubbed shoulders with many international stars during his career. The former world champion in martial arts branched out into the field of stunts almost 20 years ago, allowing him to work with Hugh Jackman, Will Smith, Kit Harrington, Henry Cavill, Gerard Butler and other Vin Diesel.
Nevertheless, his meeting with Arnold Schwarzenegger on the set of Fubar was practically sacred for the 40-year-old Quebecer who grew up with the terminator and others true lies.
“Arnold is an action legend. Working with him is something mythical. And he’s an incredible actor, but also an amazing human. He’s a real gentleman, he has an effect on everyone”, says Jean-François Lachapelle in an interview with the Log.
Photo provided by Jean-François Lachapelle
Quebecer Jean-François Lachapelle (masked) with Monica Barbaro and Arnold Schwarzenegger on the Fubar set last summer.
Several months of work
He thus rubbed shoulders with the actor of Austrian origin for several months last year, for the needs of the series Fubar, available on Netflix for a few days. As stunt coordinator, Jean-François Lachapelle was responsible not only for choreographing and bringing the action scenes to life, but also for training and supporting the actors and stuntmen in performing them during filming, in Toronto.
The premise of the series – a father and daughter discovering that they are both secretly working for the CIA must team up for a new mission – allowed the Quebecois to have a field day when developing these scenes.
Explosions, chases by car, helicopter and train, fights… he put all the gum to ensure that Fubar is well backfired, like the legacy of Arnold Schwarzenegger.
“We touch everything. I don’t think there’s a type of stunt that isn’t used in the series,” he says, laughing.
“But that’s what’s exciting. It often happens that projects ask us to do the same thing often, and that’s normal. But when you know that Arnold Schwarzenegger is the headliner of a series, it has to move and be spectacular,” he concludes.
Photo provided by Jean-François Lachapelle
Jean-François Lachapelle and Hugh Jackman on the set of X-Men: Apocalypse
Photo provided by Jean-François Lachapelle
Jean-François Lachapelle and Kit Harrington on the set of Pompeii
Photo provided by Jean-François Lachapelle
Jean-François Lachapelle and Will Smith on the set of Suicide Squad
“Phenomenal form”
Moreover, despite his venerable age, Arnold Schwarzenegger always remains particularly invested when it comes time to shoot action scenes.
“He participates in all the scenes, he constantly wants to be in the action! He’s still training every day, so he’s in phenomenal shape. Whether it’s day or night, he’s always up for it, always happy to shoot. He gives his all, it’s really incredible, ”says Jean-François Lachapelle.
A suite?
Barely a week after the arrival of Fubar on Netflix, the Quebecer is already confident about the possibility of a possible second season. Until then, Jean-François Lachapelle is expected on the set of the new season of the popular series What We Do in the Shadows in the fall…if the writers’ strike crippling Hollywood is resolved in time.
“It’s sad for those who are deprived of work, but it’s important to have this discussion on discounts, digital platforms, artificial intelligence… It’s necessary for the future of the industry. Whatever the outcome, we have to talk about it now before it’s too late and changes are made,” he said.
- Series Fubar is now available on Netflix.