Interview with Walking Dead universe actor and stuntman Ari Loeb, who pens new novel, The Stunted Man

Walking Dead stuntman and actor Ari Loeb took time away from his busy schedule to chat with Undead Walking about his latest venture, the award-winning novel titled The Stunted Man, which Nicolas Cage states is "Compelling, poetic, and very funny."

Loeb is known for his work as a stunt performer and has been featured in many big-named titles, including The Walking Dead, Tales of the Walking Dead, Snowfall, Kong: Skull Island, Zombieland: Double Tap, and many more. He has also acted in several of the above-mentioned movies and shows, notably a T-800 in Zombieland: Double Tap, a cultist in Fear the Walking Dead, and Seventh Man in Tales of the Walking Dead.

Loeb's newest book, his second published work after his debut novel Thunder, AZ, was inspired by his work as Nicolas Cage's movement coach in Universal Pictures Renfield, conceptualized by Walking Dead's Robert Kirkman and directed by Chris McKay.

Undead Walking: How did The Stunted Man come about, and what was your inspiration for this story?

Ari Loeb: As a stuntman and long-time performing artist, I’ve always been drawn to the idea of middle age and the horror of aging out of one’s prime. Darren Aronofsky’s film, The Wrestler, really moved me when it came out, and now, many years later, I find myself revisiting this subject more and more. My work as Nicolas Cage’s movement coach on Universal Pictures’ Renfield inspired the very concept for this book: an aging, alcoholic stuntman with a host of injuries and financial woes gets one final shot at redemption on a dangerous gig in New Orleans—Universal Pictures’ ultra-violent reimagining of Frankenstein. The novel delves into the complexities of addiction and depression while at the same time exploring the haunting allure of Hollywood stunts. The main character must battle his inner demons while at once fighting for his own glory, and the struggles he faces parallel the themes found in Mary Shelley’s original Frankenstein. Add in some Southern Gothic vibes that The Walking Dead fans already love and a candid, behind-the-scenes look at how monster movies are made—from makeup effects to gore and violence—and you have yourself a tight little novel full of heart, humor, and gallons of fake blood.

UW: What do you hope readers take away from the novel? 

Loeb: As humans, we’re all faced with our own struggles, and we all contain a mysterious backstory. I only hope this book can help people embrace patience and find respect for each other’s differences. And I hope they have a good laugh in the process.

UW: This is your second published work, with a third, your memoir, on the way. Do you consider yourself an actor/stuntman who writes or a writer who acts/stunts?

Loeb: I would have to say that I am an actor/stuntman who writes, because my life experiences contribute to my writing, whereas my writing doesn’t really inform what kind of stunts I perform. Even if I am not writing about filmmaking, my relationships, travels, and environments always fuel my imagination, while not so much the other way around.

In addition to his two published works Loeb is also working on his memoir that will be titled Wrecked. This will be an ongoing project as he desires to publish at least one more work of fiction before transitioning to non-fiction.

Another exciting element to his book is that Walking Dead actor Jason Douglas, who portrayed Tobin from Alexandria, narrates the audio book. Douglas is also known for his work in Preacher and No Country for Old Men. He is very well known for his voice work on numerous titles, including lead roles in Chainsaw Man, My Hero Academia, RWBY, Attack on Titan, One Piece, Fairy Tail, Psycho-Pass, and Parasyte. Douglas makes many public appearances. Check out his schedule of events on Instagram.

"Ari has crafted a visceral, feverish tale of a once-celebrated stuntman in decline, chasing former glory in one last gig on a New Orleans film set. It was an honor to work with Ari (a fellow WALKING DEAD alum) who is not only a gifted emerging writer, but is himself a working stunt performer."

- Jason Douglas

UW: The physical copy of the book is now available to purchase as well as the audio version on Audible. Jason Douglas narrates, and TWD fans will remember him as Tobin. How did this collaboration come about? 

Loeb: It was actually somewhat random, one of many confluences that came together to make this book. I knew what type of actor I wanted to use for the audiobook, and I was very particular about the tone I needed. I came across Jason’s profile on an online actors’ interface, and I immediately thought he was perfect. After looking him up, I discovered he worked on the Borderlands video games, The Walking Dead, and Breaking Bad, and he had more IMDb credits than Steven Spielberg, so I knew he was a pro. I contacted his agent, and a month later, after wrapping out the recording, we were friends! Jason did a stellar job on the audiobook narration, and I recommend everyone give it a good listen.

Ari Loeb - The Walking Dead Universe

UW: You’ve been very active in The Walking Dead universe. You’ve done stunt work and acted plus you’ve been killed by Morgan Jones (Lennie James) in two different series. Tell us a little about your work on TWD, Fear TWD, and Tales of TWD.

Loeb: I’ve played a great many walkers, each thrust into Hell by a long list of actors. I also ate a few people. I’ve had a few “acting” roles as well, delivering a line or two on Tales of TWD, and TWD: Dead City. But we always make sure that my performances end with blood and brains all over the place. Bonus points, if I can get blood on the camera guys, because they always wear expensive-looking clothes. I also stunt-doubled a few actors, including Randy Bernales (Russell), Michael B. Silver (Krennick), and Aaron Stanford (Jim). One thing that’s great about The Walking Dead Universe is that we shoot on location much of the time. We’re rarely at the stages. This means that when you’re killed, and you’re lying there in a puddle of blood and guts, you’ll have real vultures circling you, overhead. It’s a very special experience.

UW: Can you confirm or deny your participation in The Walking Dead: Dead City season 2? If yes, what is your role in this series?

Loeb: I am a stunt performer in season 2 and had a small acting role, which I can’t say anything about.

Ari Loeb's Walking Dead universe credits:

• The Walking Dead – Savior, killed by Morgan
  
• Fear TWD - Stunts, 21 episodes
  
• Fear TWD – Cultist, killed by Morgan - Riley’s thugs
  
• Tales of TWD – “DEE” - Seventh Man, killed by Dee
  
• TWD Dead City S2 - Stunts, Actor (undisclosed character)
  
• Overkill’s TWD Video Game - Stunts
  

UW: Is there an acting role that you are most proud of? Or has been your favorite to portray?

Loeb: My role as the T800-Z on Zombieland: Double Tap was a lot of fun, mostly because the crew was really excited about it. They all told me I’d have action figures and posters of myself made, and residual checks for life, and Comic Con booths forever. My ego was getting stoked from all sides! None of those things ever happened . . . But it was fun and mysterious, nonetheless.

 UW: Fans will enjoy knowing that you were part of Cirque du Soleil. At what point in your career did this take place? Can you share a bit about this experience?

Loeb: I toured Europe with Cirque du Soleil when I was in my late twenties. It was an incredible experience. Having grown up as a dancer and acrobat, I performed in over 350 cities worldwide. This was a large part of my formative years, and it made me who I am today. An undead brain-eater.

Ari Loeb - photographer

Loeb shared the inside scoop regarding his unique photography style.

“Liosso Art” is a photography series in which dancers’ bodies are composited to create the illusion of creatures, a procession of souls, both earthly and ethereal. The bodies are photographed so that moments in time fold into themselves like a ribbon. Animals erode to form, each with their own expression, synthesized from limbs and torsos on a dark stage. It is a beautiful nightmare, organic and alluring, like nature itself.

      We are all connected as creatures, and all mammals share more or less the same configuration of bones. The term "Liosso" is a corruption of the Italian phrase "them bones." This project delves deep into the essence of our existence, evoking a sense of wonder and introspection. I highly encourage you to check out the website: www.liossoart.com. But beware: it will shock and excite you.

We want to thank Ari Loeb for take the time to share about this multi-talented career. Be sure to follow him on all socials and purchase his books.

www.ariloeb.com (website)

https://www.instagram.com/ari_loeb/ (insta)

www.liossoart.com (photography)

https://a.co/d/f5ZQk3p (audiobook)

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