Kevin Hart stopped doing stunts after Ice Cube accidentally punched a stuntman in the face. This incident marked a pivotal moment in Hart’s approach to physical performance in his films, influencing his career decisions moving forward.
The 45-year-old funnyman starred in the 2014 action-comedy ‘Ride Along’ with the 55-year-old rapper and songwriter – real name O’Shea Jackson Sr – and has recalled how he witnessed the ‘Check Yo Self’ star knock the guy out and left him with a bloody nose.
“While doing the stunt, Ice Cube punched one of the stuntmen in the face for real by accident, and the stunt guy kind of [got] knocked out for a second. I was like, ‘Oh! That can happen? We can actually get hit?'” he told YouTuber Sean Evans on the latest episode of Hot Ones’. The popular YouTube show regularly features celebrities answering questions while eating increasingly spicy chicken wings.
“I remember Cube just hugging the stunt guy like, ‘You are going to be all right.’… The stunt guy was like, ‘No, I’m all right,’ [and] you [could] just see his nose bleeding a little bit. The incident occurred during one of the film’s action sequences, which required precise timing and coordination between the actors and stunt performers.
“[I] stopped with the idea of wanting to do stunts so much.” This realization came as Hart’s career was reaching new heights in Hollywood, with the comedian transitioning into major action-comedy roles that often demanded physical performances.
Following the ordeal, the ‘Jumanji: The Next Level’ actor has said those who do stunts for movies do not get the credit they deserve. The Jumanji franchise, which features Hart alongside Dwayne Johnson, has become one of the most successful action-comedy series in recent years.
“There should be a stunt award. They really do not get enough love,” he added. “Some of these movies that you have watched and fallen in love with where guys are falling from buildings or going through windows or falling down cliffs — they are using real people for that. Despite numerous campaigns from industry professionals, stunt performers still lack formal recognition at major award ceremonies.
“I have seen some stuntmen get fucked up and I have seen the director go, ‘We did not get it. Hey Gary, you think you got another one?'” This behind-the-scenes reality contrasts sharply with the glamorous perception of Hollywood filmmaking, highlighting the physical risks taken by stunt performers on a daily basis.
Kevin also pointed out that his younger self would be up for doing anything, but as he is now 45, he is less enthusiastic. Age has brought a new perspective to Hart, who has appeared in numerous films throughout his career and has learned to value safety and longevity.
“Younger me was like, ‘Throw me on the f****** table! You have got to slam me? Go ahead. Just do it, do one take so we get the real reaction,'” the award-winning star admitted. Hart’s early career was marked by physical comedy and a willingness to push his body for laughs.
“But now I’m 45. I don’t even want to run.” This candid admission reflects the natural evolution of his approach to performance as his career has matured and his priorities have shifted toward sustainability.
Hart’s revelations come as the stunt community continues to advocate for greater recognition within the film industry. Many industry veterans believe that stunt performers deserve more acknowledgment for their contributions to action-heavy productions.
The ‘Ride Along‘ franchise, which includes the 2016 sequel ‘Ride Along 2,’ helped establish Hart as a bankable action-comedy star while highlighting the crucial role of stunt performers in creating convincing action sequences. Both films feature choreographed fights and chase sequences that appear seamless on screen but require extensive planning and execution by stunt professionals.
Hart’s career continues to evolve, with the comedian focusing more on producing and starring in projects that showcase his comedic talents while relying on professional stunt performers for the more physically demanding aspects of filmmaking. This strategic shift has allowed him to maintain a prolific output while reducing his personal risk on set.
The incident with Ice Cube serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of action filmmaking, even with extensive preparation and safety measures in place. For Hart, it became a defining moment that shaped his approach to his craft and deepened his appreciation for the unsung heroes of action cinema.
