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The script outlined numerous fight sequences that would require extensive physical training. River alone had two sequences pitting her against dozens of men.
A trained dancer, Summer Glau’s strength, stamina and flexibility allowed her to make a smooth transition to fighting. “She appears to be very vulnerable,” says Whedon. “But there are hidden reservoirs of strength and determination inside of her that you wouldn’t notice at first. You find out that, in fact, she’s incredibly strong. The fact that she can do a lot of martial arts against a lot of big men was even more gratifying.”
Glau worked with legendary Hong Kong stuntwoman MING LU, before commencing an intense workshop period with stunt coordinators CHAD STAHELSKI and HIRO KODA (both of whom contributed to such action films as The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions and Van Helsing) and their five-person stunt team.
“We tried to create just impossible moves that she could do on her own and get those hero shots with her,” notes Koda. “She ended up doing 98 percent of the fight in the Maidenhead without a double.”
And fight she did. Glau’s ruthless training regimen reflected the dedication of all the cast and crew who created this labor of love. Combining the energy of the talent, the intelligence and skills of the crew and the unflagging support of the fans, Whedon finally had a feature version of Serenity to soar through the Central Planets.
The fans describe it best. Danielle Nikolosi, a 20-something Browncoat from Glendale, California—moments after a screening this spring—softly said, “Thank you for giving us the opportunity to find Serenity.”
Universal Pictures Presents A Barry Mendel Production of A Joss Whedon Film: Serenity, starring Nathan Fillion, Alan Tudyk, Adam Baldwin, Summer Glau and Chiwetel Ejiofor. The music is by David Newman. The costume designer is Ruth Carter. The editor is Lisa Lassek; the production designer, Barry Chusid; the director of photography, Jack Green ASC. The executive producers are Christopher Buchanan, David Lester and Alisa Tager. Serenity is produced by Barry Mendel. It is written and directed by Joss Whedon. ©2005 Universal Studios.
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