The Walking Dead star recalls filming above the Danube River
Summary
– Danai Gurira filmed part of her Matchbox fight with John Cena aboard a flying helicopter
– The sequence involved an open cabin and maneuvers above the Danube River
– Gurira described the experience as thrilling after initially questioning the plan
Danai Gurira faced an unusual challenge while filming Matchbox The Movie: performing part of a fight with John Cena aboard a helicopter flying above the Danube River.
The Walking Dead star recalled her surprise when the production team explained that portions of the sequence would take place during an actual flight. After rehearsing the action, she was glad she agreed to take part.
Gurira said the shoot also required her to climb a bridge tower and position herself above the river for a helicopter pickup. During the airborne portion, she was secured to the helicopter as the pilot maneuvered over the water.
The open cabin made the experience particularly intense. While fighting, Gurira could look down and see the helicopter moving toward the river before it pulled upward again.
“It was thrilling. It was thrilling. I like a good adrenaline rush.”
Gurira plays Helen, whose plans become complicated when Cena’s character, Sean, reconnects with his childhood friends. She explained that Helen considers Sean her best asset and struggles to understand why those old friendships still matter to him.
Those relationships give the action a personal foundation. Gurira said the film explores friendship, changing identities and the choices people make after reflecting on who they have become.
She also praised the variety of filming locations, particularly Morocco’s architecture and tile work. For Gurira, the combination of those settings, the action and the friendships makes Matchbox an entertaining ride.
