Hollywood Stuntman George Cottle Stays Bulletproof with Pilates

If you’ve watched a blockbuster in the last 20 years, you’ve likely seen George Cottle’s work in motion. A highly decorated Second Unit Director and Stunt Coordinator in Hollywood, he’s engineered action for Christopher Nolan and left his imprint on The Dark Knight (2008), Inception (2010), Spider-Man: No Way Home (2010), Barbie (2023), Oppenheimer (2023), and Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)—a résumé that neatly spans the full ‘Barbenheimer’ spectrum, from pink convertibles to atomic fallout.

But off set, the real plot twist is quieter. After nearly two decades of fire, fists, and freefall, Cottle has swapped the Rocky-style training montage for something less cinematic and far more sustainable: Pilates.

“I think, like many kids of the ’80s and ’90s, our workout routine was based around a Rocky montage!” he says. “Usually involving terrible technique and a massive underappreciation of how we absolutely made things worse for our future selves.

George Cottle and Ryan Reynolds on set for Deadpool vs. Wolverine

Back then there were no video tutorials or online classes on tap, just grit, guesswork, and the belief that pain equalled progress. “As you can imagine, stunt work is incredibly physical. From fighting, gymnastics, falls and vehicle crashes, we basically have to be prepared to put our bodies through it all.”

Two decades in, the toll is real. “My body absolutely suffers from aches and pains. So, my approach to working out, and my mental health, has changed massively over the past decade.” He shares.

We speak candidly with Cottle about the aches, the recalibration, and the mental shift that followed.

The Evolution of a Stuntman

“I think for me, as with many people as we get older, you truly start to understand and appreciate when it is time to hand over the baton to the younger, faster talent coming through the ranks.”

When Cottle started out, elite skills were rare currency. “If you could do a backflip on a motorbike, you were amongst maybe ten in the world. Now, if you can’t do a backflip, you won’t be in the top 500.” The next generation arrives armed not just with fearlessness, but with better science—training knowledge, diet, recovery—all at their fingertips.

As the bar kept rising, so did his perspective. “Coordinating and ultimately directing is a dream direction I always hoped my career would take.” A broader canvas, bigger responsibility.

Calm Is the Superpower

For all the spectacle, Cottle insists the most demanding part of stunt work is psychological.

George Cottle with Jake Gyllenhaal, who is pictured in the mocap suit, on set for Spider-Man: Far From Home

“The most demanding and important aspect of stunt work, in my opinion, is keeping a cool, calm mind. As you can imagine, on the day of any stunt, big or small, the excitement, nervous energy, and expectations will grow. Ultimately ending with you, in front of the camera, the whole crew watching you perform a stunt. As soon as you hear ‘ROLL CAMERAS… 3... 2...1…ACTION!’ – you have to be very clear and precise about what you are doing. Hitting your marks, being at the correct speed, etc. You cannot allow your heart rate or excitement to change anything.”

Because “anyone can do the most dangerous stunt in the world once. That is truly not our goal. Our dream is for the stunt performer to perform the action many times.” Precision over ego, and repeatability over recklessness.

The worst outcome isn’t a missed shot, it’s a broken trust. “If you rehearse a specific stunt with other performers, actors, and the crew, they are expecting you to do that on the take. The worst thing you can do is allow your adrenaline to kick-in and you miss your mark, hit a ramp too fast and mess up the shot… or worse still, hurt someone.”

Stamina. Flexibility. Repeat.

Long nights. Weekend shoots. Endless resets.

George Cottle and Tom Holland on set for Spider-Man: Far From Home

“Truly, two of the most important aspects of physicality in the stunt industry for me are stamina and flexibility. We do normally work very long hours – basically whatever it takes to get the shots and achieve the demanding schedule. Having good stamina is a must.”

Flexibility, meanwhile, is non-negotiable.

“As you can imagine, flexibility is also key to avoiding injuries. Stunt work is a very demanding and punishing occupation. Being flexible is a key factor in avoiding injury from hits and falls.”

That’s where Pilates entered the frame.

The Pilates Pivot

Full credit, he says, goes to his wife, Katie. “She suggested I try it for strength and conditioning, and I immediately fell in love and recognized Pilates as a game changer”

For strength, for flexibility, for rehabbing old injuries, but also for something less visible.

George Cottle using the V2 Max™ Plus Reformer

“I think for me it was the realization that strength does not just come from lifting heavy weights. From really understanding the connection between good form and core strength. Pilates holds you accountable on so many levels with regards to mind-body connection. I am not sure I would ever have got this from weight training alone.”

He puts it simply: “Being able to sit in a Pilates exercise, with the time and concentration, really forces you to make that mind-body connection which is so crucial to any strong body.”

For someone who once rushed through challenge, that lesson was an eye-opener. “I was never very good at allowing my body to sit with its own resistance when training” he laughs. “Pilates taught me how crucial slowing it all down really is.”

Sitting in the shake, breathing through the burn, and staying present. “All of which are crucial for both stunt work and directing.”

Leadership, Safety, & Saying ‘No’

Overseeing stunts, he makes safety his top priority, for himself, the cast, and crew.

George Cottle and Cillian Murphy on set for 28 Years Later

“Having the ability to keep a very calm and level mind when you are preparing for a big stunt—or even through the day-to-day life on a hectic film set— is crucial. The crew need to be able to look at key people on the set for clear and concise instructions. Allowing them to do their very best work feeling safe and protected.”

That clarity is physical as much as mental. “All of this, in my opinion, directly relates to the importance of having a strong body and mind. Being able to be calm under tense moments and allowing yourself to sit in tough and hard moments.”

And sometimes, strength looks like restraint. “Being able to say ‘no’, we can’t make this happen for whatever reason—but having a back-up plan or alternative to offer is key.”

Trust, he says, is everything. Especially in high-speed vehicle work or complex choreography. “The biggest thing for me is having trust and belief in the team and people around me that they all know what is happening, and they are going to perform their part,” —without unplanned deviation.

Recovery as a Ritual

Today, recovery is infrastructure. “I have to make recovery, stretching, warming up, and hardcore work part of my routine every single time I hit the gym.” Pilates sits at the center of that system. “It has truly been a game changer for not only my physical health, but also my mental health.” He goes on.

Cottle trains most mornings for 20 to 30 minutes before call time, whether it’s Pilates, weights, or a focused stretch. “It helps me focus my mind and start thinking about the day. After the workout and a good cup of coffee, I am ready to take on any film set.”

Longevity Is the Goal

“As much as any of us hate to admit it, we are all getting older.” he says openly.

“I do truly believe in the old saying ‘A body in motion, stays in motion.’ And as much as I would love to be doing Olympic presses or squats when I’m 60, I just know that isn’t what my body needs. I find myself more and more turning to Pilates as I age to keep me mobile. It allows me to work hard on my strength, core, and above all, my mind-body connection. Forcing your whole body to join the class.

Having a V2 Max™ Plus Reformer at my house, my amazing wife and I are very fortunate that we can work out anytime we want.”

But beyond the equipment, what matters most is preservation.

“I think that if we work hard in preparation to preserve our bodies and minds, this will protect us for the future. Finding the mind-body connection is what truly opened my eyes to the importance of fitness in a high-stress environment.”

And what keeps him showing up, creatively and physically, after three decades in the industry?

“I am part of the very small percentage of humans on this Earth that absolutely loves what they do for a living.” He says. “I love driving to work and preparing for the day ahead. The new challenges, new locations, whatever elements we face, it requires you to always be on and always looking for a solution to make the day as safe and productive as possible.”

For Cottle, the formula is to move daily, think clearly, and lead calmly.

“I try my hardest to work out every single morning before work. It is something I have tried hard to put into my daily routine for the past five years. Ideally, Pilates or some weights or even as basic as a stretch. It all helps me focus my mind and start thinking about the day.

After the workout and a good cup of coffee, I am ready to take on any film set.”