10 Actors Who Refused To Use Stunt Doubles For Epic Fight Scenes

Angelina Jolie’s experience in the action genre cannot be undersold, with films such as Mr. and Mrs. Smith (2005) and the Tomb Raider movies cementing her status as an action star. Liev Schreiber, on the other hand, was certainly not an out-and-out action star, but had built a multifaceted career coming into the movie Salt (2010). His casting as Cotton Weary in the Scream franchise had made him a notable name, and roles in thriller The Manchurian Candidate (2004) and superhero movie X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009) showcased the range he had as an actor.

Due to her experience in action movies, Jolie had built a reputation for doing her own stunts. She had previous experience in mixed martial arts such as Krav Maga and Muay Thai from her prior roles, giving her a solid foundation in preparing for Salt. Jolie then trained in these MMA disciplines during two-hour sessions, three to four times a week as filming began. Schreiber, amusingly, didn't seem to have dotted his I’s and crossed his T’s as thoroughly as his co-star, though.

His weapons training was on set, right before shooting. Nevertheless, the fight scene was compelling in its skill and intensity. Both actors hold their own and elevate the best fight of the action flick, involving Evelyn Salt (Jolie) and Ted Winter (Schreiber). Jolie and Schrieber showcase their weapons training with handy use of their guns before illustrating their fight choreography in a smooth sequence during the final act.