Gabriel Basso, the star of Netflix’s thriller series The Night Agent, is a dedicated actor who prioritizes authenticity and audience immersion, even when it comes to performing physically demanding stunts. He believes that performing his own stunts enhances the believability of his character, FBI agent Peter Sutherland, and strengthens the connection with the audience. He doesn’t view stunt work as a vanity exercise but rather as a crucial component of his acting process, ensuring that the audience experiences the character’s trials and tribulations as genuinely as possible. This dedication to realism extends even to potentially dangerous stunts, with Basso willingly subjecting himself to physical discomfort for the sake of the narrative. He sees enduring these physical challenges as a necessary part of portraying Peter’s resilience and commitment.
Basso’s commitment to realism is evident in his willingness to perform a wide range of stunts. He sees a clear distinction between performing stunts for mere spectacle and performing them to enhance the audience’s experience. In The Night Agent, Peter Sutherland’s character often finds himself in precarious situations, and Basso believes that by performing the stunts himself, he allows the viewers to fully invest in the character’s struggles and triumphs. This approach reinforces the authenticity of the performance and creates a more visceral connection between the character and the audience. For Basso, the physicality of the role is inseparable from the emotional depth he strives to convey.
Basso’s dedication to his craft extends beyond simply agreeing to perform stunts. He actively seeks opportunities to perform them, even going so far as to offer his skydiving expertise for the show. This proactive approach highlights his commitment to portraying Peter Sutherland with utmost authenticity. While insurance concerns ultimately prevented him from skydiving in the series, the fact that he was willing to undertake such a risky stunt underscores his devotion to the role and his desire to push the boundaries of his performance. This incident further emphasizes the lengths to which Basso is willing to go to ensure the believability of his portrayal.
The anecdote about the proposed skydiving stunt reveals not only Basso’s commitment to realism but also his pragmatic understanding of the production process. Although he is a certified skydiver and eager to incorporate his skills into the show, he respects the limitations imposed by insurance and safety regulations. His willingness to step back and accept the decision demonstrates a professional understanding of the collaborative nature of filmmaking and the importance of prioritizing safety. This episode also reveals a humorous side to Basso, as evidenced by his playful banter with Jimmy Fallon regarding a photo of him skydiving.
Basso’s commitment to his role extends beyond the confines of the set. He participated in a high-profile publicity stunt for The Night Agent season 2, parachuting out of the Netflix blimp during a Christmas Day football game. This daring feat served as a dramatic unveiling of the season 2 trailer, generating significant buzz and further demonstrating Basso’s dedication to promoting the show. His willingness to engage in such a public and physically demanding stunt showcases not only his adventurous spirit but also his understanding of the importance of marketing and audience engagement in the entertainment industry.
The combination of Basso’s dedication to performing his own stunts and his willingness to engage in promotional activities highlights his comprehensive commitment to The Night Agent. His pursuit of authenticity through physical performance enhances the viewing experience, creating a more visceral connection between the audience and his character. This dedication, coupled with his enthusiastic participation in publicity stunts, demonstrates a deep investment in the show’s success. Basso’s approach to his craft reveals a passionate actor who strives for realism and is willing to go the extra mile to ensure the audience fully experiences the world of The Night Agent.
