20 times actors performed their own stunts and left us shocked

Modified Jan 16, 2025 07:38 ET

Christian Bale - The Dark Knight (2008) | Image Source: Warner Bros. Pictures

8. Charlize Theron – Atomic Blonde

Charlize Theron - Atomic Blonde (2017) | Image Source: Focus Features

Charlize Theron was a spy in Atomic Blonde (2017), and she dedicated herself to the role with a vengeance. She trained for months in judo, Krav Maga, and boxing and performed most of the fight sequences in the film. One memorable scene—a single-take stairwell fight—required Theron to execute intricate choreography while sustaining injuries, including cracked teeth. Her commitment to doing stunts infused a visceral sense of realism to the brutal action sequences of this film, thereby making her the most celebrated and powerful female action star in Hollywood.