David Belle in Brick Mansions
David Belle, one of the stars of Brick Mansions, is widely credited as one of the founders of Parkour, the movement developed from military obstacle training that involves running, climbing, vaulting, rolling etc to get from A to B as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Since introducing the movement, Belle began to be offered various cinema roles that required his knowledge and skills of Parkour, including District B13 and The Family, as well as being hired to choreograph the Parkour stunts used in Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time.
Here are some other sports stars that have successfully made the transition to the screen following retirement, or alongside their day jobs.
- Dwayne Johnson
One of the big career-change success stories, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has a surprisingly varied portfolio of films for a wrestler-turned-actor.
Having retired from wrestling multiple times, he is best known for his roles in G.I. Joe and the most recent Fast & Furious and has also frequently appeared in run of the mill kids films, such as Tooth Fairy and the Journey series.
And let’s not forget his big break in The Mummy Returns, which led to his own spin-off movie in The Scorpion King.
- Jackie Chan
To call Jackie Chan typecast would be a huge understatement; he is most recognisable as the foolish but nice guy who always wins in the end (thanks to his handy martial-arts skills).
But if it ain’t broke, don’t try and fix it - he’s been acting for over 50 years so he’s doing something right.
As the go-to karate guy, his work manages to span multiple generations of fans, from the Rush Hour franchise to Kung Fu Panda, he has also starred in his own series of adventures called... The Jackie Chan Adventures.
- Chuck Norris
Chuck Norris of Chuck Norris jokes fame, the multi-talented guy is also an actor, six-time world karate champion and creator of Chun Kuk Do.
With a slightly sporadic acting career (his most recent starring role was in 2012 film, The Expendables 2) Chuck made his debut in 1968 with The Wrecking Crew and hasn’t looked back since.
Because Chuck Norris doesn’t look back, the past looks at him, or something like that.
- Vinnie Jones
Retired footballer Vinnie Jones should consider officially adding 'Movie Tough Guy; as a prefix to his name, because he is rarely referred to without it. He’s definitely found his niche and stuck to it.
As someone who tends to divide opinion, Jones began his acting career in 1998, following his retirement from The Big Game with Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.
Staying in Guy Ritchie’s good books, 2 years later he starred in Snatch and the aggressive Cockney roles kept on coming.
- Gina Carano
Muay Thai fighter turned actress Gina Carano is certainly doing it for the girls.
After her fighting career came to an end in 2009, having formerly ranking as third best in the world, Gina embarked on a film career, starring in Ring Girls, which wasn’t too much of a stretch - she played a Muay Thai fighter.
However, she soon went on to star in Haywire, earning her a Critics Choice nomination for Best Actress.
- Jason Lee
The My Name is Earl star originally started out as a professional skateboarder, notably bringing the '360 flip' to the masses.
He took a few minor roles before getting his big break in Mallrats and Chasing Amy, both alongside Ben Affleck, in the mid-nineties.
Since then he has become a household name, gaining roles in Almost Famous, The Incredibles and that beacon of modern cinema, Alvin and the Chipmunks (plus sequels Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel and Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked).
- Ayisha Issa
With such a fantastic name, Canadian actress Ayisha Issa was destined to become a star.
Alongside her roles in films such as Warm Bodies and Immortals, Ayisha also competes in Brazilian Jiujitsu, holding a blue belt in the sport. Ayisha’s latest role will be in Brick Mansions, out May 2nd.
- Eric Cantona
'King Eric' is someone who made the football pitch to film premiere transition very well.
Whilst still praised for his abilities on the pitch (everyone still remembers ooh ahh Cantona, right?), he has made some very smart choices on the screen as well.
He has mostly had prominence in French cinema but is also known for Elizabeth, in 1998 and, of course playing himself in Looking for Eric in 2009.
- Arnold Schwarzenegger
It’s difficult to know what to refer to Arnie as now, having gained career status as weight-lifter, actor, politician and businessman in his 66 years.
Aged 20 he won Mr Universe but gained further notoriety as The Terminator in the 80s.
He has continued to star in blockbuster films (and some not-so-successful films) including Twins, Total Recall and, of course, Kindergarten Cop.
- David Belle
As Parkour founder, actor, choreographer and stunt coordinator, David has many strings to his bow but is probably best known for his role in District B13.
Brick Mansions is the modern Detroit-based remake where Belle teams up with Paul Walker to help bring down a crime lord, out May 2nd.