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Croatian Stuntwoman Una Popović Rides into Hollywood, Doubling for Stars and Working with De Niro
🇭🇷 Croatia /Culture & Society

Croatian Stuntwoman Una Popović Rides into Hollywood, Doubling for Stars and Working with De Niro

From Večernji List · () Croatian

Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Una Popović, a Zagreb-based equestrian trainer, has built an international career as a stuntwoman specializing in horse work.
  • She has performed in major productions like Netflix's "Vikings: Valhalla" and "The Weekend Away," and even worked with Robert De Niro.
  • Popović emphasizes that the discipline and connection with horses required in sports riding are fundamental to her stunt work.

Beyond the roar of clashing swords and the thunder of hooves in Netflix's "Vikings: Valhalla," lies the skill of professional stunt performers. Among them is Una Popović from Zagreb, one of Croatia's few female stunt riders. In her daily life, Popović is a trainer of sport and therapeutic horseback riding at Konjički Klub Evago, a leading equestrian center in Croatia.

Horseback riding has been my passion since I was six years old, for 23 years now. I am a physiotherapist by profession. I have been working as a trainer for ten years.

— Una PopovićDescribing her long history with horses and her professional background.

Popović has dedicated over a decade to training riders and has concurrently cultivated a notable international stunt career. Her journey with horses began at age six, and she has been involved with them for 23 years. A qualified physiotherapist, she has spent ten years as a trainer, starting with western riding and now focusing on show jumping and dressage at KK Evago, alongside therapeutic riding.

I entered stunt work in 2015 at the invitation of our most famous stuntman Ivo Kristof, who worked on the film 'Gladiator' with Russell Crowe, and Petar Benčić, also a stunt coordinator and horse master. I specialize in working with horses – falls, jumps, and demanding scenes – as well as in martial arts and weapons.

— Una PopovićExplaining her entry into the stunt industry and her areas of specialization.

Her entry into the stunt world occurred in 2015, prompted by Croatian stunt experts Ivo Kristof and Petar Benčić. Specializing in horse-related stunts, including falls and complex scenes, as well as combat skills, Popović underwent training with Kristof, Benčić, and Kristina Getoš, further honing her craft in Greece. There, she participated in the action film "Tin Soldier," where she doubled for singer Rita Ora and shared the set with stars like Robert De Niro and Jamie Foxx.

In Greece, we filmed 'Tin Soldier,' where I was Rita Ora's double, and we collaborated on set with Robert De Niro, Jamie Foxx, Scott Eastwood, and other world stars.

— Una PopovićRecounting her experience working on the film 'Tin Soldier' with international celebrities.

Popović's credits also include the Netflix thriller "The Weekend Away" and "Vikings: Valhalla." In these productions, stunt riders must not only execute fight sequences but also maintain complete control of their horses amidst explosions and simulated chaos. She notes that despite the apparent differences between the precision of dressage and the controlled chaos of stunts, the core principles remain the same: discipline, patience, and a strong bond with the horse.

At first glance, the precision of dressage riding and the controlled chaos of a stunt scene seem like two different universes. However, the foundations are the same: discipline, patience, and an unbreakable bond with the horse.

— Una PopovićComparing the demands of sports riding and stunt work.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Večernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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