Jessica Medina has crafted an extraordinary career, blending stunt work, acting, and coordination in more than 130 productions. Her collaboration with James Gunn during The Suicide Squad stands out as a pivotal experience, where an improvised Spanish song earned a lasting place in the film. Medina’s close work with stars like John Cena, alongside coaching from Gunn, helped her leave a unique mark in the industry.
During rehearsals for The Suicide Squad, the director’s surprise sparked an unexpected creative moment.
The director heard me and said, ‘What are you doing, Jess? Can you speak and sing?’
—Jessica Medina
She responded by improvising a Spanish song that was included in the final cut.
So in the movie, I just improvised a whole song in Spanish, and they left it. Six months later the composer called me because he thought it was from a real artist. But it was just me improvising in the moment.
—Jessica Medina
Medina’s presence among high-profile actors was notable. She reflected,
It was such a big movie, with Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, and John Cena all around, but James Gunn still gave me space to bring myself into it. That’s something I’ll never forget.
—Jessica Medina
Her encounter with John Cena was especially memorable.
It was so cool to finally meet him in person. He was so polite, so nice, and actually very funny,
she said.
Challenging Roles in Blockbusters Like Black Adam
In addition to her work with Gunn, Medina took on physically demanding roles like doubling for Cyclone in DC’s Black Adam. The set enforced strict privacy measures to guard secrecy around the production.
I had to be covered just to walk to the restroom so fans couldn’t see the costume,
Medina revealed.
The physical demands pushed Medina to her limits early on.
I did a hero landing and tore my hip bone. That was my first day. I was insured, of course, because those landings are very dangerous, but the intensity is real. You put your entire body on the line.
—Jessica Medina
Despite injury, her dedication remained strong.
That shot made it into the movie. And honestly, even with the pain, I was grateful. You don’t get called to do stunts like that unless they trust you completely.
—Jessica Medina
Expanding Horizons with Marvel and Influential Mentors
Jessica Medina’s involvement in the Marvel Cinematic Universe exposed her to a passionate fanbase on WandaVision, where she appeared alongside Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany.
That’s when I got all my followers. Marvel fans are loyal. They even made blogs about me,
she recalled.
Recently, Medina showcased her versatility in comedy, sharing a fight scene with Liam Neeson in The Naked Gun.
When I got the call, I couldn’t believe it — the Taken guy. I was so excited,
she said.
I almost broke a finger doing the fight scene, but it was amazing.
—Jessica Medina
One of the most impactful relationships in her career has been with Forest Whitaker, whom she met early on during the thriller Vipaka.
Imagine being new, and suddenly your scene is with Forest Whitaker. Inside I was dying. He told me, ‘Hey kid, just breathe, and let’s go and do it.’ Afterward, he said, ‘I think you’re very talented. Move to California and really pursue this career.’
—Jessica Medina
This support proved life-changing.
I followed it. I moved to LA. And 133 movies later, I still see him as a mentor. He checks in, inspires me, and reminds me to keep going. Having someone like Forest Whitaker believe in you early on — that stays with you forever.
—Jessica Medina
Shifting Focus to Producing and Empowering Stories
Building on her deep understanding of stunts, acting, and direction, Medina is now dedicating her efforts to producing. She believes her diverse experience gives her a unique advantage behind the scenes.
When you’ve been a stuntwoman, actor, and director, you know what each piece of the puzzle requires. Producing is a recipe that uses all of it,
she explained.
Her producing goals center around increasing opportunities for underrepresented voices in the industry.
I definitely want to create stories that people can relate to. I want to bring people that maybe don’t get a lot of opportunities. For me as a woman, a woman of color, Latina, I want to bring more of our kind and give opportunities to females. We can be as good as the guys are.
—Jessica Medina
One of her current projects focuses on human trafficking, a topic she calls urgent and personal.
As a Latina, I think it’s important to put a real message out there. Not just entertainment — but something meaningful,
she shared.
Having already worked alongside stars like Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, John Cena, Dwayne Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen, Liam Neeson, and Forest Whitaker, Jessica Medina is moving into her next phase with the same passion and dedication. Instead of performing stunts, she is now ready to create stories that resonate deeply and bring true change in the entertainment world.
