Episode 80 - Jonathan Eusebio

Episode 80 - Jonathan Eusebio

Author: Ben Johnson October 3, 2022 Duration: 1:14:02

There aren't many stunt coordinators and fight choreographers who can say they have helped to change the course of modern day action cinema like Jonathan Eusebio. His work on the 'Bourne' films alone sparked a movement in Hollywood into more realistic, grittier fight sequences, inspired by his background in Filipino martial arts. He took this style into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, shaping the grappling movements of Black Widow (played by Scarlett Johansson), and adding his flair to films like 'Doctor Strange' and 'Black Panther'. However, it is his work on the 'John Wick' series for which he is most revered - an inspiring mix of Bourne's close-range efficiency and the wrestling and judo moves he pursued at Marvel, with more than a hint of 'gun-fu' inspired by one his favourite filmmakers, John Woo. His recent credits - the 'Obi-Wan Kenobi' TV show for Disney+ and 'The Matrix Resurrections' (2021) - show a stunt coordinator operating at the industry's highest levels, commanding the action in some of the world's most popular franchises. Now he is eager to follow his friends and mentors at 87eleven Action Design into directing - people like 87eleven co-founders, filmmakers and martial artists Chad Stahelski and David Leitch, and his stunt buddies J.J. Perry and Sam Hargrave. But after such a trendsetting career, where does he go from here? And how can he continually try to push new boundaries in on-screen action? It's a tall order, but if anyone is up for the challenge, it's Jonathan Eusebio.


LINKS

Jonathan Eusebio on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0262389/

Jonathan Eusebio profile on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/ProfileJonathanEusebio

'Obi-Wan Kenobi' trailer: https://youtu.be/3Yh_6_zItPU

'The Matrix Resurrection' trailer: https://youtu.be/9ix7TUGVYIo

'The Bourne Identity' pen fight: https://youtu.be/h6cdNtvFGB0

'The Bourne Ultimatum' fight scene - Bourne vs. Desh (Joey Ansah): https://youtu.be/uLt7lXDCHQ0

87eleven Action Design website: https://www.87eleven.net/


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There's a particular magic in the stories behind the fights, the philosophy woven into the choreography, and the sheer dedication it takes to create martial arts cinema. The Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast is built on those stories, offering a backstage pass to the world of Hong Kong action, classic Shaw Brothers epics, and modern martial arts filmmaking. Host Ben Johnson, who created the extensive kungfumovieguide.com resource, sits down for detailed conversations with the very people who bring these films to life. Each episode features an unscripted, in-depth interview with actors who threw the punches, stunt performers who designed the falls, directors who framed the shots, and choreographers who turned violence into poetry. You'll hear about their career paths, the challenges on set, and the deep, personal passion that fuels their work. This isn't just a surface-level recap of famous movies; it's about the craft, the history, and the human effort behind every iconic scene. For anyone who has ever wondered about the artistry behind a perfectly executed fight sequence or the legacy of a genre that spans decades, this podcast provides a rich, engaging listen. Tune in for genuine insights from the heart of martial arts cinema.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast
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