Grant Powell

Grant Powell: From Cape Flats to Hollywood, A Stuntman's Journey

Grant Powell's story is one of relentless determination and unfathomable talent. From his humble beginnings on the Cape Flats in Cape Town, Powell has risen to become an internationally renowned stuntman and fight choreographer, overcoming barriers and exceeding expectations at every turn.

Born and raised in Mitchell's Plain, Cape Town, Powell's early life was far from the glamour of the silver screen. Despite the challenges and adversities of growing up on the Cape Flats, he nurtured a dream of pursuing a career on stage and screen. In 1998, he took the leap and auditioned at Ratanga Junction Theme Park, a decision that would change his life forever.

Over the next four years, Powell trained intensively as a performer in puppetry, dance, movement, acting, and stunts. His dedication and talent did not go unnoticed. In 2002, he was discovered by a local stunt company and was given the opportunity to stunt double an actor for the film “Der Kranichmann”, a turning point that marked the beginning of his career as a professional stunt man.

Powell's passion for stunts didn't stop there. He immersed himself in various martial arts, including Boxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiujitsu and Krav Maga, equipping him with a diverse skill set that sets him apart in the industry. This passion led him to focus on fight choreography, and he quickly made a name for himself, ascending the ranks from an assistant fight choreographer to a premier fight choreographer and stunt coordinator in the South African Film Industry.

In a bid to contribute further to the industry, Powell co-founded The Stunteam. Under his leadership, the company offers stunt coordination services and has worked on award-winning films including "Noem My Skollie", "Nommer 37", and "Ellen Pakkies". His understanding and fusion of disciplines developed a unique relationship between acting and stunt coordination, aiding effective stunt delivery by actors and stunt performers alike.

As the years passed, Powell's influence and reputation grew. He received international recognition for his work in TV series and movies such as "Strikeback Vengeance", "Resident Evil", "Black Sails", "Of Kings and Prophets", "Brothers Grimsby", "Scorpion King 4 and 5", "Tomb Raider (2017)", "Red Sea Diving Resort" and the first African Netflix original "Queen Sono”.

In 2015, Powell was nominated for 'Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Television Series' for his work on the award-winning TV show "Homeland". He earned another significant nomination in 2022 for 'Best Stunt/Movement Choreography' for his work on "The Woman King”.

Perhaps one of the most exciting highlights of Powell’s career was on January 4, 2018, when he organised a Guinness World Record event for the most people performing full body burns in Cape Town, with 32 stunt performers setting themselves on fire simultaneously.

With a career spanning over two decades, Powell's dedication to his craft and his contribution to the industry is truly admirable. His journey from the Cape Flats to international acclaim is a testament to what can be achieved when talent meets determination. And yet, despite his success, Powell remains grounded, reminding himself and others to stay true to their narratives, and always willing to champion the extraordinary abilities of South Africans. Grant Powell is not just a name in the industry; he is an inspiration.