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

Prior to filming Troy, both actors had previously starred in physically demanding roles. Eric Bana had played a significant role in Black Hawk Down, and was the titular character in Hulk (2003). Brad Pitt, on the other hand, had reached superstardom taking on iconic, physical roles in Fight Club (1999) and Snatch (2000).

The actors trained for six months to be in the shape required for Troy. While filming the memorable fight sequence between Achilles (Pitt) and Hector (Bana), both actors actually rehearsed for it, and fought each other on-set. They agreed to pay each other $50 for slight transgressions, and $100 for major hits.

The scene involves sword and shield combat between the actors. The weapons training and choreographed movement are evident from the ease at which Bana and Pitt evade the strikes of each other. When filming for the scene was completed, Bana had made $750 whilst Pitt received $200. Suffice to say, Eric Bana had to go through some character building during the filming of this historical epic.