How Stuntman, Femi Olagoke Scored An Acting Gig In Marvel’s ‘Black Panther’

None of your favourite superhero movies would be half as awesome as they are without great stunt performers behind the scenes. They bravely pull off all those dangerous action scenes the main actors are simply unable to do.

That was exactly what actor and stuntman, Femi Olagoke was initially hired for in Marvel’s latest hit, Black Panther. But after nailing a few lines for the movie’s director, he got to play a Nigerian militant in one of our favourite scenes from the film: the Chibok girls rescue mission.

Before Black Panther, Olagoke worked as a stuntman on shows and movies like Gotham, John Wick: Chapter 2, Marvel’s Luke Cage and Power. He also worked on two upcoming movies, Avengers: Infinity War and Dwayne Johnson’s Rampage.

So, with Black Panther currently breaking all kinds of records at the box office — it has already made over $700 million in less than two weeks — Olagoke caught up with us for an interview about his role and his love for acting.

Question: Could you tell me a bit about yourself and how you discovered your love for acting?  

Femi Olagoke: I was born and raised in Lagos. Growing up, I was an athletic kid who played sports — specifically track and field — and enjoyed being physically active. I moved to the United States to further my education, and while living here, I was exposed to the arts.

I was approached to be part of a dance showcase being held at my school. I said yes to something I had not done before but was excited to do something different than I was used to. It was a great and positive experience, and little did I know that it would be the beginning of a love that has gotten me to this point.

A few weeks later, I was approached again by the theatre department to see if I was interested in auditioning for a play and again, I said yes. I got a part in the play and it was another wonderful experience performing on stage and being part of an amazing community of artists and performers. 

What’s it like being a stuntman and how did you get into that line of work?

I’m fortunate and blessed to work as a stuntman. It’s exhilarating, adventurous and rewarding. It was a case of right timing. I was contacted by a casting office in New York City to see if I was available to be the photo double for an actor and I accepted the job.

Moments later, I was called back to see if I was comfortable doing a basic stunt instead, which I was capable and comfortable performing. I was interviewed with a couple of other actors and I was the one chosen. After that job, I was introduced to the world of stunts.

How did you land the acting gig in Black Panther?

I was hired as a stuntman for the film but when I got to set, I was picked by Ryan Coogler, the director, who gave me some dialogue to say. I happened to be the right fit for the role and scene that was being shot. I not only had the accent but the acting experience as well.

What was it like working in the movie – especially since your scene shed some light on the Boko Haram crisis?

I felt a deep sense of pride and satisfaction working on something close to home, special and monumental. It was a lot of fun working with the director, cast, stunt coordinator and stunt performers.

It was an honour to play that role but I also think it was important to shed light on the topic and expose them because it’s not who we are. We are a nation filled with an abundance of amazing people.