Dwayne Johnson’s bond with his stunt double, Tanoai Reed, is a testament to their remarkable partnership and genuine friendship. Reed, who has been Johnson’s double for over 20 years, has fearlessly performed daring stunts, embodying Johnson’s on-screen action persona. Their connection extends beyond the film sets, as they share mutual respect and admiration for each other’s dedication and talent.
Johnson has expressed gratitude for Reed’s unwavering commitment and has surprised him with generous gestures, including a brand-new truck. Their enduring collaboration highlights the importance of trust, loyalty, and camaraderie in the world of entertainment. Reed nearly lost his arm while filming, but Johnson had him covered.
Dwayne Johnson’s Stunt Double Almost Had A Career-ending Injury
During an interview with THR, Dwayne Johnson’s stunt double, Tanoai Reed, acknowledged the advancements in safety measures. Gone are the days when dangerous high falls were necessary, as CGI technology can now create the illusion of a colossal 200-foot drop from a mere 70 feet. Nonetheless, the job still demands meticulous attention to potential risks, with the understanding that it is often the overlooked minutiae that can go awry.
During the production of Furious 7 in 2017, Tanoai Reed experienced a harrowing incident that severely threatened his career. He endured a debilitating injury that had the potential to result in the loss of his arm, jeopardizing his ability to continue performing stunts.
While filming a high-octane brawl scene in Furious 7, Tanoai Reed found himself involved in a pivotal moment where he was propelled through glass via a cable during a clash between Dwayne Johnson’s Luke Hobbs and Jason Statham’s Deckard Shaw. Unfortunately, the tempered glass that was intended to crumble into harmless fragments malfunctioned, shattering into dangerous shards. One of these shards pierced Reed’s arm, leaving an injury comparable to the size of an iPhone.
Dwayne Johnson Once Paid Tanoai Reed’s Stunt Rate
For Gridiron Gang, Dwayne Johnson embraced the role of a football coach striving to make a positive impact on troubled teenagers. Tanoai Reed initially anticipated being sidelined during the production, given the limited budget that left no room for a dedicated stuntman. However, Johnson personally covered Reed’s stunt rate, ensuring that his valued stunt double remained integral to the project. This act of kindness exemplifies Johnson’s commitment to his team and the recognition of Reed’s invaluable contributions to their collaborative work.
“He told me, ‘You’re more than just a stunt double, you’re like family,'” Reed recalled.
During their early roles, both Johnson and Reed underwent a weight loss journey, slimming down to around 230 pounds, a relatively lean physique for them. However, a turning point came a decade ago when Johnson made an important call to Reed.
He informed him about his involvement in G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013), a film that, alongside Fast Five (2011), marked the beginning of a transformative era in their action-packed collaboration.
Furious 7 is available for rent or purchase on Google Play and Amazon Instant Video.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
