Lesley-Ann Brandt Updates: The fight sequences on the blockbuster Netflix show may be scripted, but Lesley-Ann Brandt’s stunt skills and the muscles that make them possible couldn’t be more realistic.
“When I do something, I give it my all,” says Lesley-Ann Brandt, star of the blockbuster Netflix drama Lucifer, which recently aired the second set of episodes from season 5 last week.
Since 2016, the South African actress has portrayed the demon Mazikeen (aka Maze), Hell’s former head torturer, and the devil’s BFF (naturally). While Brandt doesn’t have superhuman strength and speed like her character, one peek at her training regimen and crazy stunt work on set would lead you to believe she didn’t strike a bargain with the devil to become this formidable in real life.
Being physically active is an important element of my own existence, and I believe Maze’s athleticism and movement are key parts of her character.”
When it’s obvious that an actor is utilizing a stunt double during combat sequences, Brandt confesses it’s one of her biggest pet peeves. “I simply don’t like seeing it,” she chuckles. So, from the start, I’ve worked hard to provide as many usable takes of myself performing a range of stunts as possible so that the combat sequences appear and feel authentic. I want people to think Maze is capable of causing mayhem, and it’s easier to do so when you can see actual sweat on my face.”
In preparation for the program, Brandt works out five days a week with Paolo Mascitti, an L.A. Mascitti’s notion that exercise is a lifestyle resonated with Brandt from the start. I’m nearing 40 this year, and he understands where my metabolism is at and what my body needs to retain muscular growth and strength so I can keep doing what I love.”
“To keep things interesting, we generally spend two or three sessions on strength training and two to three sessions on high-intensity interval training,” he adds, adding that Brandt’s exercise regimen is rotated every four to six weeks to keep people interested and motivated.
Quinoa, lentils, and beans also make up a greater portion of her diet, and she claims she avoids meat products – at least most of the time. “To be honest, I do like an Impossible Burger, but I really fell in love with exploring new cuisines, new dishes, and discovering new methods to nourish my body and keep me energetic.”
Lesley-Ann Brandt Training Sessions
Shape MagazineEven if I’ve had a long, stressful day and worked 15-17 hours, I still make time to exercise because I want the endorphins and to sleep better at night.”
“Maintenance is an element of my training,” she explains. “But, around a week before a fight, I increase my cardio and lower body strength because I nearly always fight in heels.”
According to the actor, learning stunt work is similar to learning to dance. In fact, Brandt and other cast members collaborate with stunt doubles to learn and perform the moves that go into each action scene. “I’ll look at specific techniques and ask whether they can be more complicated and dynamic, or if they need to be toned down because I’m dealing with an injury, or if they’re simply outside of my ability level,” Brandt adds. “It’s a really intimate and collaborative connection that I truly value, and they trust and push me.”
“My aim is to enable the publishers to work with me as quickly as possible, and the only way I can achieve this is to film as well as is prepared,” she said.
It is not simple to do stunt work on top of the act, but Brandt makes it appear easy — furthermore, her stunt wouldn’t be otherwise. “I don’t feel like I put myself totally into it if I don’t return with some bleeding. I believe it’s incredibly empowering to witness powerful women kick ass, and who look the part too.
I enjoy seeing this young females representation. It is very essential, and I appreciate that this is an extremely major part of my work, to illustrate that power comes in many types of form and proportions.”
