Action Movie Secrets: 10 Things You Didn’t Know

Action movies always aim to deliver bigger and better thrills. Directors continuously seek inventive ways to stage massive explosions, spectacular car crashes, and memorable villains. The evolution of the Fast & Furious franchise exemplifies the audience’s appetite for high-octane action. But beyond the on-screen spectacle, there are often lesser-known, intriguing behind-the-scenes details. Here’s a list of ten fascinating facts that might just make your favorite action films even more interesting.

10. The Expendables (2010)

The first movie in The Expendables series, despite a mixed reception from critics, became a commercial success with action fans. Featuring stars like Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, and Jet Li, the film follows a group of mercenaries tasked with overthrowing a Latin American dictator.

However, filming was not without its challenges. Stallone sustained around 14 injuries, including a neck fracture that required a metal plate. The injury occurred during a fight scene with Steve Austin. During one stunt, Austin narrowly avoided serious injury when an airbag shielded him from an explosion.

9. John Wick (2014)

John Wick quickly became a fan favorite, largely due to Keanu Reeves’ performance. The movie scored an 87% on Rotten Tomatoes. His character is referred to as Baba Yaga, evoking the boogeyman. However, the real Baba Yaga is a Russian mythical witch who lures people into her home before devouring them. She is said to walk on chicken legs and lives in a hut protected by a fence constructed of human bones.

A John Wick on chicken legs might not have resonated with audiences as well!

8. Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)

Ceasar is the central figure in Rise of the Planet of the Apes. The intelligent chimpanzee is mistreated in an animal shelter. He leads an ape uprising and establishes a new home in the forest.

The scene where Ceasar speaks his first word, “no,” pays homage to the films from the 70s. The launch of a spaceship in the movie connects it to the original Planet of the Apes. Also, when the apes escape, the leaders—Maurice, Ceasar, Buck, and Rocket—represent the four ape species: Bonobo, Chimpanzee, Gorilla, and Orangutan.

7. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

Mad Max: Fury Road grossed nearly $400 million worldwide. The production faced numerous delays since 1997. The 9/11 attacks and the Iraq War in 2003 created significant roadblocks.

Filming finished in 2013, and the movie premiered in 2015. Over 80% of the effects and stunts were real, not CGI. The film’s perceived feminist themes, largely due to Charlize Theron’s character and the use of Eve Ensler’s material, sparked controversy, leading to calls for a boycott by Men’s Rights Activists.

6. Interstellar (2014)

Interstellar was a smash hit in 2014 and left audiences bewildered. Given the setting in space, the movie incorporated ideas from Dr. Kip Thorne, a Nobel laureate and theoretical physicist. He insisted that the movie not violate the laws of science and that scientific speculation be provided by a scientist. Christopher Nolan wanted the characters to travel faster than light, but Thorne convinced him otherwise.

5. Furious 7 (2015)

Furious 7 marked the final appearance of Paul Walker, who died in a car crash on November 30, 2013, during filming. The film grossed $1.5 billion, becoming the highest-grossing film in the franchise in just two weeks.

Paul Walker wasn’t the initial choice for Brian O’Conner; Eminem, Mark Wahlberg, and Christian Bale were considered. Also, Denzel Washington turned down a role, which ultimately went to Kurt Russell.

4. Baby Driver (2017)

Baby Driver combines a killer soundtrack and a hero with hearing impairment for an original action experience.

Edgar Wright conceived the idea in 1994 upon hearing “Bellbottoms” by The Jon Spencer Blues Explosions, which opens the movie. Car chase movies like The Italian Job, Vanishing Point, and The Blues Brothers were also inspirations.

Obtaining clearances for the music tracks took 18 months before filming, starting with Simon & Garfunkel.

3. The First Purge (2018)

The First Purge explores the attempt to reduce crime in America by allowing 12 hours of lawlessness. The series has grossed over $300 million with a $23 million budget.

James DeMonaco, creator of the Purge movies, was influenced by the Manson murders from his childhood. A poster for the 2018 Halloween movie appears, mixing up the timeline since the Purge was to be held in 2017.

The color blue is prominent, coloring campaign signs, flags, and even contact lenses.

2. 6 Underground (2019)

6 Underground stars Ryan Reynolds as an American billionaire who fakes his death to form a vigilante squad. The Michael Bay-directed film includes explosions, car crashes, and attractive actors.

This film was Bay’s first effort for Netflix and the streamer’s second most expensive release after Bright. UAE soldiers appeared as extras, and the military provided aircraft. The yacht in the film was rented from Shahid Khan, owner of Flex-N-Gate and the Jacksonville Jaguars.

1. Bad Boys for Life (2020)

Bad Boys for Life, released in early 2020, grossed over $400 million. The third movie was directed by Adil El Arbi and Billal Farrah. Michael Bay made a cameo as a wedding MC, which he directed. This scene creates a plot hole since Bay also appeared in the second movie as a carjacking victim.

Michael Bay’s conflicts with the studio during the first film led to the sequels. He fought for creative control and battled the crew over his unique scene-cutting method, which later became influential.

These behind-the-scenes facts add layers to the action movies we love, revealing the challenges, inspirations, and surprising details that go into making them.