Leonardo DiCaprio shared the daunting reality of performing a flamethrower stunt himself while filming Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, aiming to bring an unparalleled level of authenticity to the movie. The actor took on the dangerous task of wielding real fire on set under strict safety supervision, making the Leonardo DiCaprio flamethrower stunt one of the most nerve-wracking moments for the cast and crew.
DiCaprio portrayed Rick Dalton, a fading television star during Hollywood’s transformative late 1960s era. Within the film, Dalton’s character appears in a fictional World War II production called The 14 Fists of McCluskey, where he uses a flamethrower against Nazi soldiers. Later, during the film’s climax, Dalton defends his home with the same weapon during the infamous Manson family invasion. These sequences stand out as some of the film’s most striking and demanding moments for DiCaprio personally.
Behind-the-Scenes: Fear and Safety on the Set
Speaking with TIME, DiCaprio recounted the surreal experience of exposing stunt performers to real flames.
“I remember taking a real flamethrower and burning the greatest stuntmen in cinema history,”
he said.
“Quentin brought them together to play Nazis, and I burned them three days in a row.”
The repetition and intensity of this scene placed heavy physical and mental demands on DiCaprio.
Stunt coordinator Robert Alonzo revealed that DiCaprio was genuinely apprehensive about handling such a dangerous stunt. Despite DiCaprio’s extensive stunt experience, he was cautious about directing live fire toward the stunt team and maintaining it for several seconds. Normally, such fire-intensive scenes are performed by stunt doubles, but Quentin Tarantino insisted the lead actor do it himself to heighten realism on screen.
To calm DiCaprio’s fears, Alonzo performed the stunt first, demonstrating the safety protocols that protected the performers throughout filming. Even with precautions, the scene required exceptional focus and emotional control from DiCaprio, who had to overcome natural anxiety while delivering the performance. Alonzo highlighted that actors often find these situations mentally exhausting, but DiCaprio’s dedication earned admiration from everyone involved.
Quentin Tarantino’s Commitment to Authenticity
Beyond this explosive scene, DiCaprio discussed Tarantino’s filmmaking style, praising the director’s insistence on complete immersion through real locations and detailed sets. He likened Tarantino’s exacting realism to the work of Paul Thomas Anderson, emphasizing how the authentic environments helped actors fully inhabit their characters.
DiCaprio fondly recalled driving through seven meticulously recreated blocks of 1969 Hollywood, describing the experience as “mind-boggling.” This dedication to period atmosphere contributed heavily to the film’s nostalgic yet intense tone, setting the stage for performances by Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie, who also delivered memorable roles in the movie.
The Lasting Impact of the Flamethrower Stunt
The Leonardo DiCaprio flamethrower stunt reflects the rare combination of true physical risk and artistic ambition in contemporary filmmaking. This daring choice elevated both the film’s tension and authenticity, intensifying viewers’ engagement with Dalton’s story. The commitment of DiCaprio, Tarantino, and the stunt team showcases how carefully calculated risks behind the scenes can result in powerful cinematic moments.
As audiences continue to appreciate Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, the story behind this dangerous stunt adds a new layer of respect for the actors and crew who pushed boundaries to deliver an unforgettable film experience. It remains a testament to the lengths some performers go to capture genuine reactions, setting a high standard for realism in stunt work moving forward.
