James Bond and Marvel body double opens up about mental health

July 9, 2026 - 15:45

Jason Burrill, a professional body double from Seaford, has worked behind the scenes on some of the biggest blockbuster franchises in Hollywood, including James Bond and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Best known for standing in for actor Dave Bautista, Burrill has spent years perfecting the physicality and presence required to mimic a superstar on set. But while his career appears glamorous, the 45-year-old has opened up about the hidden toll it has taken on his mental health.

In a candid interview, Burrill revealed that the pressure to maintain a specific physique and the isolation of the job often led to feelings of anxiety and depression. "You are constantly compared to someone else's body and image," he said. "It can be incredibly damaging to your self-worth when your value is tied entirely to how you look." He described long hours on set where he felt invisible, despite being surrounded by crew and actors. The lack of recognition and the transient nature of the work, he explained, made it difficult to form lasting connections.

Burrill now advocates for greater mental health support within the film industry, urging stunt performers and doubles to speak up about their struggles. He has started sharing his own journey on social media, hoping to break the stigma that often surrounds men discussing their emotions. "We are taught to be tough, to just get on with it," he said. "But real strength is asking for help." His story is a reminder that even those who stand in for heroes on screen are fighting their own battles off camera.