Jharrel Jerome as Anthony Robles in ‘Unstoppable’.Photo:Amazon MGM Studios
Amazon MGM Studios
UnstoppablerequiredJharrel Jerometo put in a lot of work to become wrestling champAnthony Robles. Much of it is right there on the screen, from wrestling to lifting to weighted runs — often on crutches, as Robles was born without a right leg.
“I am the most in shape I’ve ever been in my life,” the actor, 27, tells PEOPLE. Grimacing, remembering his grueling training regimen, he adds wryly, “so it’s great.”
To recreate his matches in the ring, Jerome and Robles himself (a stunt double and consultant on the film, producing alongsideBen AffleckandMatt Damon) followed choreographed moves in exacting detail. That meant not only training to match Robles’ athleticism, but also brushing up on knowledge of the sport, explains Jerome.
“The WWE was about all I knew when it came to wrestling,” theWhen They See UsEmmy winneradmits.
While Jerome says it’s difficult to pick the biggest challenge in “transforming and turning into that beast,” as he jokingly calls Robles, the calluses under his armpits from constant use of crutches ranks high on the list.
“I practiced how to move around on the crutches so I can not look like I had just sprained my ankle two weeks ago,” says the actor, who wore a green sock that erased one leg via special effects.
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Jharrel Jerome as Anthony Robles in ‘Unstoppable’.Ana Carballosa/Prime Video
Ana Carballosa/Prime Video
It was all worth it for his connection to Robles, who invited cast and crew members into his Arizona home throughout filming. “I consider him a brother,” Jerome says. “It’s really become beyond the work for us.”
Plus he’s now never lacking inspiration to continue to stay in shape. “It’s 8 o’clock in the morning and I don’t want to wake up, but I’m up in the gym at 8:30 and that’s just because I know Anthony would be," says Jerome. “You can’t see somebody do 80 pull-ups with a weighted vest the way Anthony does and not use that as motivation.”
Unstoppableis now streaming on Prime Video.
source: people.com
