New Land Rover Defender does own stunts in ‘No Time To Die’

MANILA: The new Land Rover Defender makes a cameo in the upcoming James Bond movie "No Time To Die," and it didn’t need a body double to pull off all its stunts.

James Bond flicks have been known for grueling stunts scenes, the most recent requiring the lead actor (Daniel Craig) to get surgery on his left ankle, which stopped production to give time for his recovery.

Well, if that’s what’s required of Craig, the producers ask no less from every member of the cast including the vehicles they use.

Just unveiled late last year, the new Land Rover Defenders were chosen because of their pioneering off-road tech, wading ability, and extreme durability. Ten units were used for the movie and here’s a special bit of trivia: The seventh Defender of the lot sported VIN 007.

In the movie, the Defenders will be seen doing high-speed chases through swamps and rivers, including a leaping the length of 30 meters.

“We pushed the Defender further than we believed possible to generate the maximum excitement, and to give fans an insight into the uncompromising challenge of producing an incredible chase sequence which you can look forward to seeing in 'No Time To Die,'” said stunt coordinator Lee Morrison.

The Defender vehicles used in "No Time To Die" were the first cars off the production line at Land Rover’s Nitra factory in Slovakia, and are based on the Defender 110 X model in Santorini Black, with darkened skid pans, 20-inch dark-finish wheels, and professional off-road tires.

“We developed a new test standard for Defender, the most challenging we’ve ever had and unique to this vehicle. Physical strength and durability is measured by a number of different tests including a bridge jump test which gave us confidence to deliver what the stunt team needed to create for 'No Time To Die,' with no modifications to the body structure except the installation of a roll cage,” said Land Rover Defender vehicle line director Nick Collins.

In charge of the chase sequence in the movie was Oscar-winner Chris Corbould, the special effects and action vehicles supervisor and behind the wheel of one of the Defenders was Formula 3 W Series driver Jessica Hawkins who was personally handpicked by Morrison.

“It doesn’t get any more exhilarating than being a stunt driver in a James Bond movie and it’s an honour to be a part of this incredible movie driving the new Defender,” said Hawkins.

"No Time To Die" hits cinemas April 2, 2020.

Also read: Land Rover launches the new Defender in Singapore