Stunt Performer Jason Bell Talks ‘Arrow,’ ‘Timeless,’ and More [Exclusive Interview]

You wouldn’t know it, but chances are, you’ve seen stunt performer Jason Bell on your television screen more than a few times.

Bell has performed stunts on countless popular shows, including Supernatural, Arrow, The Flash, and Supergirl. Most recently, he’s a stunt double for Matt Lanter on NBC’s Timeless.

I had a few burning questions for Bell about how he got his start as a stunt performer and what it’s like doing stunts on these shows.

Tell-Tale TV: What made you decide to become a stunt performer?

Jason Bell: After having an array of jobs throughout my life and after my military contract ended, I was looking for something different and exciting.

I always thought about film and was lucky to have my sister who works as an assistant director and a few buddies who were already involved in stunts help pull me into the industry. I definitely fell into stunts and haven’t looked back.

Tell-Tale TV: From being in the military to even just growing up with athletics, how have your personal experiences helped prepare you to perform stunts?

Bell: I grew up a pretty active kid. I was either playing hockey, soccer, or practicing karate, so that helps with endurance. The regimented lifestyle and rigorous physical training from the military helps keep me focused at the task on hand, whether it be training or focusing on just becoming a better performer. Staying in shape and constantly evolving with your skills is a must in this business.

Tell-Tale TV: One of the shows we can currently see you on is NBC’s Timeless. What’s that experience been like for you, and what are some of the stunts you’ve done?

Bell: It’s been amazing. The whole cast and crew are awesome. I’m lucky to double Matt Lanter, who is keen on getting in on the action.

There will be days where they’ll throw me in for a big hit or to fly through a wall, but most of the time he’s right there in the thick of it. We usually have rehearsals and go through the fights, then I’ll eventually teach them to Matt, who totally kills it.

Tell-Tale TV: You also do stunt work for Arrow, The Flash, Legends of Tomorrow, and Supergirl. Who have you doubled as on those shows?

Bell: On Arrow, I doubled a re-occurring bad guy named MurMur. During my time on The Flash, I had the pleasure of doubling Robbie Amell who played Firestorm, and on Legends of Tomorrow, I had one of the best and biggest learning experiences doubling Hawkman which entailed tons of wire work and aerial combat sequences.

All these shows have helped shape me in my craft.

Tell-Tale TV: How is working on show like Arrow different from working on something like Timeless?

Bell:  Arrow has massive stunt sequences, huge fights, big car gags, and explosions. It’s one of the most physical shows I’ve worked on, but that’s why the stunts look so bad ass!

Timeless has many stunts as well, but since it’s a time travel show, most of the work has to do with a specific time period. One day, I might be fighting with a musket in the 1700’s or firing a tommy gun in the 1940’s. It’s a very cool show to be a part of.

Tell-Tale TV: You’ve done stunt work for Supernatural as well. Is there a favorite stunt you’ve done for that show?

Bell:  Supernatural has always been a blast to work on. The show is well into their 12th season, and it’s become a well-oiled machine. However, the times I did double on that show, the actors ended up doing most of their own action. At least I got to witness it!

Tell-Tale TV: What’s the most difficult stunt you’ve ever done? Do you ever get hurt?

Bell: The most difficult stunt I was part of was during the big Arrow/The Flash/Legends of Tomorrow crossover episode from last year. During this big fight, Hawkman gets hit by his magical staff, and goes flying backwards into a spit, and lands on his side. I ended up tweaking my neck during the rehearsal, so I had to get a backup stunt guy to fill in for me.

Luckily (knock on wood), I have yet to have a life-altering injury. At the end of a hard day, I usually come back with some bruises or a limp, but I wouldn’t be much of a stunt guy if I never got hurt.

Tell-Tale TV: And what’s the biggest challenge of being a stunt performer?

Bell: Maintaining my body. It’s a tough thing when it’s busy to keep up with massage, physiotherapy, and regular workouts. Right now, since there’s so much going on, it’s hard to find pockets of time to get necessary stuff done. I’m always blessed to be working, but I definitely crave to get my sweat on at the gym!

Tell-Tale TV: I read that even though you rarely find yourself star-struck, that you were star-struck when you met Harrison Ford. What was that interaction like?

Bell: Oh man, I was fumbling my words left and right. I’m a huge Star Wars and Indiana Jones fan. He’s a very soft-spoken man but was engaging and super polite.

Tell-Tale TV: If you could do stunts for any show that you haven’t already been a part of, what would it be?

Bell: Right now I’m obsessed with HBO’s Westworld. I love old school westerns and sci-fi, and this show has it all covered. It has such an original and fresh story line I find fascinating. Plus, there’s a lot of big shootouts and old school western style stunt scenes which to me look like a total blast to do.

Timeless airs Mondays at 10/9c on NBC.

*Featured image credit: Dan Rizzuto