Did Guillaume Canet Do His Own Stunts in “Ad Vitam” on Netflix? Find Out!

Netflix kicks off 2025 with a bang, releasing its latest French film, “Ad Vitam.” This thriller, co-written and starring Guillaume Canet, follows the story of a former GIGN member who races against time to rescue his pregnant wife from kidnappers.

Guillaume Canet Confronts His Own Phobia for the Film

Filled with suspenseful twists and plenty of action scenes, this high-energy thriller directed by Rodolphe Lauga (La Source) required intense dedication from the 51-year-old actor. In preparation, Canet underwent a rigorous four-month training regimen. But that wasn’t all, as he insisted on performing all of his own stunts.

One scene in particular, where he plummets from the top of Sacré Cœur at the start of the film, forced Canet to face his fear of heights. However, the challenge was well worth it, earning him the nickname “Guigui Cruise” (a nod to Tom Cruise) on set:

I went to train with the GIGN to prepare for the abseiling sequences, something I had never done before and had to confront my fear of heights. It was truly traumatic for me… (…) They taught me how to switch off my brain to eliminate fear and focus solely on the action. I found it thrilling and fascinating.

Echoes of Belmondo

The films of Jean-Paul Belmondo were a major inspiration for “Ad Vitam,” particularly “Le Professionnel” and “Peur sur la ville.” It was actually Belmondo who suggested that Canet should incorporate his passion for extreme sports into his own movies.

The writing of the film was also quite intense, as the script was developed simultaneously with Canet’s physical training. “I had to finish the script and start the physical training. I would wake up every morning around 5:30 am to train at home for two hours with my coach Denis Joukov, a former weightlifting champion. (…) Weightlifting, boxing, cardio, etc: Denis really pushed me hard every day for three months!”

The thriller “Ad Vitam” featuring Guillaume Canet is now available exclusively on Netflix.

Check out the list of movies currently available on the platform!