Apollo Has Fallen has arrived on Lionsgate Play, bringing back Ritu Arya as MI6 agent Zara Taylor alongside Tewfik Jallab as Vincent Taleb. The eight-episode action thriller, a sequel to the 2024 series Paris Has Fallen, premiered on September 18, 2026. With intense fight sequences and high-stakes chases across Libya and Madrid, one question keeps coming up among viewers: did the cast actually perform those stunts themselves? Ritu Arya has now shared a clear answer.
Ritu Arya Prefers Doing Her Own Stunts
The 37-year-old British actor did not hold back when asked about her approach to action. She confirmed that she enjoys handling the physical demands of the role herself rather than relying on a stunt double for every sequence.
“I prefer doing our stunts. There is so much joy in action. I would love to play more action too.”
Her enthusiasm for action does not mean she wants to be limited to the genre. Arya shared that she hopes to take on a variety of roles in the future, describing the chance to play different characters as a blessing for any actor.
Tewfik Jallab Also Takes on His Own Action Scenes
Ritu Arya is not the only cast member getting physical on set. Director David Caffrey praised Tewfik Jallab for his commitment to the action sequences, noting that the French actor performs many of his own stunts.
“He does quite a few of his own stunts. He’s got a very good instinct for the action sequences, but he’s also got a brilliant feel for the performance sequences.”
Jallab’s dedication came with real risks. He recalled one particularly intense fight scene set inside a cell, where the actors had to perform on a floor covered in freezing water. The sequence was shot in a tiny space with two cameras and eventually led to Jallab getting injured during filming.
The Stunt Team Kept the Cast Safe
Even with the leads doing much of their own action, the production relied on a skilled stunt team to ensure safety across the demanding six-to-seven-month shoot. Jallab credited the stunt professionals for their constant vigilance.
“You need to be kind of alive for the rest of the shoot. We were surrounded by a great stunt team, and they were very, very helpful, always vigilant about not getting injured, to be able to keep the shooting as long as possible.”
Stunt performer Yolanda Lynes is listed in the crew for Apollo Has Fallen as a stunt double, according to her IMDb profile, which also includes work on Black Widow and The Gorge. Stunt rigger Alexander Kusmak is also credited on the production.
What Apollo Has Fallen Is About
Apollo Has Fallen continues the story of Zara Taylor and Vincent Taleb after the events of Paris Has Fallen. The new season finds the two characters caught in a dangerous conspiracy after a hijacking, with ruthless mercenaries and a deadly virus threatening Europe. The story moves from Libya to Madrid as Zara and Vincent confront both an international threat and questions of loyalty and trust.
Arya described her character’s evolution in this season, explaining that Zara has become more hardened and experienced while still carrying deep trust issues.
“Zara has still got the same trust issues as before, if not even more. But she’s a little bit more hardened and a bit better and more experienced at what she does. She’s leading her own team in Libya on a project, and at first, it’s not that high-stakes. She’s just rolling with the punches and enjoying it – until a terrorist threatens the world with a deadly virus and things start to really kick off.”
The season places greater emphasis on character development alongside the action. Arya noted that the new episodes feel more personal and character-driven, with the show exploring the backstories and motivations that drive Zara and Vincent.
The Cast Built a Strong Bond Over Seven Months
The long production schedule gave Ritu Arya and Tewfik Jallab plenty of time to develop their on-screen chemistry. Jallab spoke warmly about working with Arya, highlighting her talent and generosity as a scene partner.
“She’s an amazing actress. I love working with her. She’s so talented. I love to be next to her, because she gives everything she’s got, and I try to do the same. When you work with someone for so long – the second season was about seven months’ shooting – you better like the other actor you’re working with 24/7. So we were very lucky because we love each other.”
Arya echoed that sentiment, calling Jallab one of the funniest people she has worked with and praising his collaborative spirit on set.
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Where to Watch Apollo Has Fallen
Apollo Has Fallen is now streaming on Lionsgate Play in India and on Canal+ in France. The series consists of eight episodes and is created and written by Howard Overman, with David Caffrey and Alice Troughton serving as directors. Gerard Butler is an executive producer on the project.
The cast also includes Jacek Koman, Richard Dormer, Charlotte Spencer, Arthur Darvill, Annabel Scholey, and Aylin Tezel.
Also Read: Apollo Has Fallen Star Tewfik Jallab Says He Is Trying to Break the Mould as He Returns for Season 2
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