The Unlikely Stuntman: Renars Latkovskis’ Epic Journey from Viļāni to Hollywood
Ever wondered who pulls off those jaw-dropping stunts in blockbuster films? Spoiler alert: it’s not always Tom Cruise hanging off the side of a plane, although I suspect he can bench-press a small house! The secret behind some of the most electrifying scenes in movies like Gladiator II, Mission: Impossible – Fallout, and even the latest dodgy escapades of James Bond is a Latvian character by the name of Renars Latkovskis. You may not recognize his name, but trust me, he’s been cartwheeling, swan-diving, and possibly even body-slamming his way through our screens, and he’s somehow from Viļāni—no, not a mythical land of elves, but a charming town in Latvia!
Let’s set the scene. Picture this: a rock climbing gym in London, where Renars—now a bona fide stuntman—spends his days not just hanging around but swinging from walls like a well-groomed monkey on a caffeine high. Four hours of training a day? Are you kidding me? I can barely manage a brisk walk after two cups of coffee!
“At the time, I was doing pole acrobatics, and by chance I got to train in the same gym where the British stuntmen trained,” Renars reminisces, light dancing in his eyes as he recalls beginning his journey twelve years back.
Can you imagine a chance encounter on the gym mat leading to a life filled with high-flying stunts? The stuntmen were somersaulting about, doing what looked like an Olympic event gone rogue, and Renars thought, “I’d like to try that!” Talk about ambition! While the rest of us are using gym memberships to eat more pizza under the guise of “post-workout recovery,” Renars was training every muscle in his body to not only perform but excel. Seriously, the only acrobatics I’m mastering are the ones involving a half-eaten slice of cake and the ability to stretch my waistband.
So, what does it take to become a stuntman in the UK? Renars learned that the mysterious “British Stunt Register” exists, and let me tell you, it’s not a bakery where people sign up for pastry classes. To enter this elite league of adrenaline junkies, you need to pass tests in six different disciplines. We’re talking gymnastics, rock climbing, springboards, swimming, judo, and even high jumping from 10 meters—essentially, a brutal boot camp for aspiring superhumans. It typically takes five years to clear this madness, but our boy Renars? He blasted through it in just a year and a half! How? Well, let’s say he took the phrase “no pain, no gain” a tad too literally—no injuries and laser-focus that would put a sharpshooter to shame.
So next time you watch those action-packed flicks filled with drama, explosions, and dubious hair gel choices, remember the Latvian behind the madness. Renars Latkovskis is not just a man from a small town; he’s an adrenaline-fueled dynamo taking the film world by storm. Here’s to him and the countless other unsung heroes who make sure our popcorn stays worth the crunch.
“Gladiator II”, “Mission: Impossible – Fallout”, James Bond’s thrilling “No Time to Die”, the high-octane “Fast and Furious: Hobbes and Shaw”, the epic historical drama “Napoleon”, Marvel’s “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantum Mania”, Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending “Tenet”, the superhero spectacle “The Eternals”, the sci-fi action of “Men in Black: Global Threat”, the adrenaline-fueled “Killer’s Bodyguard”, and the intriguing espionage film “The Courier” are just a few titles on an extensive list of popular films that have captivated audiences worldwide over the past decade. Many viewers remain blissfully unaware that a Latvian is responsible for executing some of the most breathtaking stunts featured in these cinematic masterpieces. How did a young man hailing from Viļāni find himself on the sets of these major blockbusters?
Renars Latkovskis strides into a bustling rock climbing gym located just outside London, where he dedicates at least one session weekly. His rigorous training schedule includes morning kickboxing sessions and daily swimming workouts. Renars has meticulously planned his next training for later in the evening, aggregating a formidable four hours of intense physical activity. He also incorporates essential recovery practices, including massages, sauna treatments, and cold baths, which are vital for keeping his body in peak condition. Remarkably, all of this dedication to fitness takes place on his day off from filming—a testament to his unwavering commitment to the craft.
“At the time, I was doing pole acrobatics, and by chance, I got to train in the same gym where the British stuntmen trained,”
This nostalgic reflection from Renars reveals the serendipitous moment that unfolded twelve years ago. “They do somersaults on the springboard and perform an array of fantastical maneuvers; circus performers and dancers from various shows frequent this place. Intrigued, I approached them to learn more about the exhilarating world of stunt work, including where one could train to become a stunt performer. I soon discovered an esteemed organization in Great Britain known as ‘The British Stunt Register.’ To attain qualification, one must successfully complete tests in six diverse disciplines such as gymnastics, rock climbing, springboards, swimming, judo, and high diving from a height of 10 meters. The conventional route spans five years; however, I managed to achieve this remarkable feat in just a year and a half due to my injury-free progress and fierce dedication.”
**Interview with Renars Latkovskis: The Master Stuntman from Viļāni to Hollywood**
**Interviewer**: Renars, thank you for joining us today! Your journey from a small town in Latvia to working on major Hollywood films is incredibly inspiring. Can you tell us what inspired you to become a stuntman?
**Renars Latkovskis**: Thank you for having me! It all started at a rock climbing gym in London. I was really into pole acrobatics, but the day I saw British stuntmen training, I was hooked. It looked like so much fun, and I thought, “I want to do that!”
**Interviewer**: So, you transitioned from pole acrobatics to stunt work. How did you prepare for such a drastic career change?
**Renars**: It was quite a shift! After that first encounter, I committed to training hard. I was in the gym every day, working on everything from gymnastics to rock climbing and even swimming. The most challenging part was getting into the British Stunt Register. It usually takes years to qualify, but I managed to do it in a year and a half with a lot of focus and determination.
**Interviewer**: That’s impressive! Most people can’t even manage a regular workout routine. What challenges did you face while training to become a stuntman?
**Renars**: The physical challenges were intense. You need to master a variety of disciplines and pass tests in each. However, the mental aspect was just as tough. Maintaining a positive mindset and overcoming fears—especially when you’re doing high jumps and complex stunts—is crucial. I had my fair share of injuries along the way, but I learned to listen to my body and push through.
**Interviewer**: Many viewers may not realize that you are behind the stunts in films like “Gladiator II” and “Mission: Impossible – Fallout.” How do you feel being a vital part of creating these epic moments on screen?
**Renars**: It’s a thrill! Knowing that the work I put in contributes to scenes that wow audiences is incredibly rewarding. But it’s also essential to understand the collaboration that goes into it—every stunt is a team effort involving directors, fellow stunt performers, and the entire crew.
**Interviewer**: With such a rich experience, what advice would you give aspiring stunt performers looking to follow in your footsteps?
**Renars**: Train hard, but also be smart about your training. Build a diverse skill set and connect with professionals in the industry. Networking is just as vital. And most importantly, don’t let fear hold you back. Each challenge is an opportunity to grow.
**Interviewer**: That’s solid advice! Looking ahead, what are your future goals in the stunt industry?
**Renars**: I hope to keep pushing my limits and perhaps explore stunt coordination and choreography. There’s so much creativity in crafting stunts, and I want to be part of that storytelling. Plus, it would be great to mentor the new generation of stunt performers coming up.
**Interviewer**: We look forward to seeing your future work! Thank you for sharing your journey with us, Renars.
**Renars**: Thank you for having me! I appreciate the opportunity to share my story.
