Eddie Peng reveals his death-defying stunts in USD$100 million Chinese film The Rescue

Taiwan-born Canadian actor Eddie Peng is a star on the rise. 

In his recent role in the USD$100 million Chinese action film The Rescue, the 38-year-old acts and performs his own death-defying stunts.

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, Eddie said that before pursuing the ‘Hollywood dream’ he feels there is much for him to learn and improve on within Asia.

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The Rescue, one of the most expensive Chinese movies ever made, centers around a rescue unit within the Chinese Coast Guard who are forced to overcome their personal differences to resolve a crisis.

Eddie said it was both thrilling and nerve-wracking to join the cast of director Dante Lam’s mega-budget blockbuster.  

‘The pressure was probably more self-inflicted. Having worked with director Dante Lam before, I know how high his expectations can be,’ he said.

The hunky actor also said the cast spent two months training for the extreme first-responder rescue exercises and did various simulation exercises involving water, fire and altitude.  

‘We not only had physical and skills training, we went through simulation exercises to understand more about hardware, like mechanical operations, and soft skills like first aid and CPR. In between shoots, we still had to continue training and practicing. It was pretty rigorous!’ he said.

Eddie also admitted that there were no stand-ins for the rescue scenes, and the cast did all their own stunts.  

‘That’s why it’s enjoyable and exhilarating to work with Dante, as he is extremely passionate about ‘realism’ in scenes… The actors were assured of being able to safely run, jump or plunge once he shouted ‘Action!’ It was definitely exciting.’ 

Eddie continued: ‘I think The Rescue will prove that Chinese films today are world class. When we were on location in Mexico, many experienced industry professionals were amazed that we were able to plan, execute and film such elaborate and dangerous stunts.’ 

The film’s release follows a string of Asian films receiving global praise, including Crazy Rich Asians, Parasite and The Eight Hundred.

‘All actors dream of breaking into Hollywood, which most see as the capital of the movie world. If you can make it there, you would have arrived on the global stage. But I still feel I have to pay my dues here in Asia first before pursuing that Hollywood dream,’ Eddie said.

‘I have been working with the best in this part of the world – from directors and actors to screenwriters and production crews – and they have all taught me so much. There is still room for me to improve before I venture out further!’        

The Rescue was released in Australian cinemas on December 12, 2020