[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”24704″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Our exclusive interview with talented stuntman, actor and Martial Arts expert Alain Moussi.
Bringing new life to the legendary role of ‘Kurt Sloane,’ made famous by Jean-Claude Van Damme in the 80’s action film KICKBOXER, Hollywood’s most in-demand stuntman Alain Moussi makes his unbelievable transition from stuntman to the leading star in KICKBOXER: RETALIATION, out January 26TH, where he is supported by Jean-Claude Van Damme, boxing icon Mike Tyson, Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (HBO’s “Game of Thrones), as well as Christopher Lamber (HIGHLANDER). Known for his renowned stunt double work for A-list stars including Jai Courtney (SUICIDE SQUAD), Hugh Jackman (X-MEN: APOCALYPSE) & Henry Cavill (IMMORTALS), we would love to arrange an interview with you and Alain to discuss his remarkable and inspiring journey from stuntman to leading man.
Known for his jaw-dropping high-kicks, killer precision and natural charm, Alain has been fighting his way through the entertainment industry where he has quickly risen as the quintessential stuntman and fight choreographer. With over 25 years of experience in martial arts and 30+ films to his credits, Alain has become the go-to expert to choreograph Hollywood’s blockbuster action fight scenes.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”24703″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Hi Alain please tell us about you?
My name is Alain Moussi. I’m a husband, father, martial artist, actor. My wife Janie is an anesthesiologist and I have a daughter named Annabelle.
My dad Jean Moussi is Lebanese and my mom Rita Moussi is French Canadian. I have a younger sister Natacha and a younger brother Dominique. I’m starring in the new Kickboxer Trilogy!! I’m living a dream!!
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Energetic, Enthusiastic, Driven
Who is your biggest supporter?
Definitely my family 🙂
Best advice ever given?
Always be ready. You have to be ready with the right skills and mindset the day an opportunity presents itself. If you wait, it’ll be too late.
When and how did you get started into Martial Arts?
I started training at Therien Jiu-Jitsu and Kickboxing when I was 10 years old right after watching Bloodsport starring Jean-Claude Van Damme. I was inspired by his martial arts skills and flexibility so I decided I wanted to be just like him.
And in films and as stuntman?
My first job as a stuntman was to double Henry Cavill in Immortals. I had just started training with Jean Frenette and the On Set Stunts Action Team. Jean was the fight coordinator on Immortals. He used me to play the hero in all the concept fights because I happened to be a physical match for Henry. The stunt coordinator Marc Désourdy saw me on video and asked if I could do the job. Jean said that although I was brand new he felt I was the best option and had the right skill set. So my first job in film and as a stuntman was to double the lead on a major motion picture… Immortals!
How do you prepare for a role?
First of all, I never stop training. There is no off season for me. I’m always improving my physique, my athletic skills and my martial arts skills. ALWAYS BE READY! A few months out of shooting I study the script and the character then discuss with our director Dimitri Logothetis so we’re on the same page, and we always are lol. Then I go to my acting coach and start working with him. I always try to put as much as myself in the character. I also try to look at every situation as REAL LIFE. As my coach Jeff Seymour would say: “It’s not rocket science, it’s all a representation of real life in a defined reality. So let’s look at each scene from that standpoint.”
What was your first role, and which one has been your favorite?
My first role was Kurt Sloane in Kickboxer: Vengeance. Kurt Sloane has definitely been my favorite because I get to follow his journey through a trilogy. That’s really cool because the character changes and evolves so much over the 3 films.
Tell us about “KICKBOXER: RETALIATION”?
Kickboxer: Retaliation is an Entertaining Extravaganza of ASS KICKERY that will keep you on the edge of your seat!!! lol !! It stars… ME, Alain Moussi and incredibly talented physical cast including Jean-Claude Van Damme, Mike Tyson, Christopher Lambert, Hafthor Bjornsson, Sam Medina and the beautiful Sara Malakul Lane. KBR also features a bunch of World Champs from the fight and sport worlds including, Roy Nelson, Fabricio Werdum, Wanderlei Silva, Babalu Sobral, Shogun Rua, Renzo Gracie, Frankie Edgar, Rico Verhoeven and the soccer star Ronaldinho.
I play Kurt Sloane who has just become the #1 contender in a major MMA league. Kurt gets ambushed by 2 corrupt cops and dragged back to Thailand by an underground BOSS named More (Lambert). More want’s Kurt to fight his new champ Mongkut (Bjornsson) in a fight to the death in order to win back the money he lost when Kurt beat Tong Po in the previous film. Kurt refuses to fight until our Villains get to his wife Liu (Malakul Lane). Kurt must train with Briggs (Tyson) and Durand (JCVD) to prepare for the ultimate battle that will most likely end with his DEATH!
If you enjoy action and martial arts you WILL GET YOUR FIX!!
What is your character about? And how did you got selected for the role?
Kurt is the middle child of the Sloane martial arts family. He coached his brother Eric who was the Star Competitor of the family. Eric was always in the spotlight while Kurt masterminded in the background. Kurt is intelligent, analytical and strategic. He’s also very brave and humble. Kurt had to overcome his grief after losing his brother to the hands of Tong Po and, with the help of a charismatic martial arts master named Durand, rise to his full potential and become even greater fighter than he ever thought he could be.
I met our writer/director/producer/ Dimitri Logothetis in 2011 while working as a stuntman on a martial arts film he was directing. After seeing me perform some fights in a live showcase, he had me audition for the lead role of his film. The next day he invited me to breakfast and said: “I am relaunching the martial arts genre and I want to do it with an authentic martial artist who can perform all the fights and stunts for REAL. So how would you feel about doing a few movies with me?” So I answered: “Where do I sign !?” lol. Kickboxer: Vengeance was our first film together, Kickboxer: Retaliation was just released and we’re about to start shooting Kickboxer: Armageddon.
Also you worked alongside big names as Jean-Claude Van Damme, Hugh Jackman and Jai Courtney. Please tell us about it?
Over the last few years I’ve had the opportunity to work with very talented actors. I doubled Jai Courtney in Suicide Squad which was lots of fun. Jai is very funny and quite a joker.
If you could choose, what three actors would you really want to work with?
If I had my pick I would love to work with Jackie Chan, Sylvester Stallone and Dwayne Johnson.
Any future news or projects you want to share with us?
For sure!! We’re about to start shooting Kickboxer: Armageddon Spring 2018 which will conclude our first Kickboxer trilogy. Then we’re starting a new martial arts/action sci-fi franchise called Jiu-Jitsu. Imagine Jason Bourne meets Predator. It’s gonna blow everyone’s mind!! That’ll be fall 2018. After that we have 2 more martial arts/action comedy’s lined up. It’s gonna be busy for the next while!!
Who has made the biggest impact on your life so far, and why?
That would be my dad. My dad is one of the hardest working people I know. He immigrated to Canada from Lebanon with practically nothing. He worked hard, got an education and built a great life for our family with my mom. He’s always smiling and values the important things in life. Whenever I think something’s not going my way I always remember that my dad had to face much bigger challenges and that drives me to push through.
Do you have a role model?
In life, that would be my dad.
Any advice to young upcoming talent?
Don’t wait for an opportunity to get ready. Pick yourself up and get all the skills you need with no promise in sight. This way, the moment an opportunity appears, you will be READY!!
What’s a normal day in your life?
Here’s a normal day in my life when I’m home. Wake up. Get my daughter ready and drive her to school. Have breakfast. Training session in martial arts or athletic conditioning. Lunch. Afternoon is usually a combination of meetings, training acting and getting diner ready. Pick up my daughter. Do the daddy thing.
Do you support any charities?
I’m about to start a special with United Way to bring martial arts programs in community centers for kids and families who can’t afford the training. I believe martial arts training is extremely beneficial to kids and can have a massive positive impact on their life. That’s why I want to give as many kids as possible the opportunity to train.
What is your favorite healthy food?
I’m not difficult when it comes to food but I guess if we’re talking clean, I would have seasoned white fish with asparagus and sweet potato.
And your favorite cheat food?
Pizza with red wine followed by Hagen Daz peanut butter/chocolate ice cream.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Action movie marathon!!!
Any hobbies?
I love going to the movies. To me there’s no better experience than seeing a film on the BIG SCREEN. I go at least once a week. My wife and I are also foodies. We love culinary experiences with wine pairing. We also love to travel and experience other cultures. I think seeing the world opens your eyes and gives you much more perspective in life.
How important is Social Media for you?
I use social media to give fans a glimpse of what I do in everyday life and share all the things I’m passionate about. I love sharing about my training, my films, my family and all my adventures. I appreciate every moment and am happy to share them with the World! I often get messages from fans telling me how much Kickboxer and my posts on social media have inspired them to get themselves up and start making positive changes in their lives. There is no better reward. For that reason I keep on posting 🙂
Where we can follow you?
My #1 social media spot is Instagram: @alainmoussi. I’m also on Twitter: @alainmoussi and on Facebook: @AlainMoussiOnline.
Quote: How are you gonna be a revolutionary if you’re such a traditionalist? – John Legend in Lala Land
Book: Total Recall: My incredible life story – Arnold Schwarzenegger
Movie/Tv Series: Rumble in the Bronx, Predator, Rocky 4, The Rundown, Zoolander, Lala Land / Seinfeld, Friends, 24, Game of Thrones
Food: I love all food lol! Any type of small sharing plates.
Travel Destination: Hawaii
Sports Team: Ottawa Senators[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”24706″ img_size=”large”][vc_separator][vc_column_text]Photo Credit: Bobby Quillard[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
