The picturesque Greek island of Hydra has recently become the center of attention as filming for the upcoming movie The Riders commences, starring Brad Pitt. The acclaimed actor arrived at the Saronic Gulf location on Thursday, February 19, with production officially scheduled to start on Saturday, setting the stage for a high-profile international shoot. Central to this event is the involvement of Brad Pitt’s Greek lookalike and stand-in, Aris Kontos, whose striking resemblance has already drawn significant interest.
The Background and Journey of Aris Kontos
Born in 1983 in Timisoara, Romania, Aris Kontos moved to Greece during infancy and spent his early years in Athens. His family later relocated to the island of Kos following his father’s transfer at work, marking the start of his deep connection to Greece. Kontos initially pursued sound engineering before spending two years in Canada, after which he shifted focus to studying psychology in his hometown. Alongside his academic pursuits, he engaged in modeling and helped manage his family’s Italian restaurant business. Despite his international experiences, Kontos identifies closely with Greece, while also expressing a fondness for New York, imagining a life split between these two places.
Describing his lifestyle as simple and unpretentious, Kontos shared:
“I like to be extremely simple — to sit and watch shows, go for walks, read books. I don’t want to pose somewhere. I like to travel, but also to be a tourist in my own country, taking photos and living life to the fullest. I don’t limit myself.”
Aris Kontos, Greek stand-in and model
Uncanny Resemblance Leads to a Unique Career Opportunity
Throughout his life, Kontos was often told he resembled Brad Pitt, a comparison that has now propelled him into a professional role alongside the Hollywood icon. Reflecting on the parallels drawn between them, he admitted feeling honored and described Pitt as the ultimate standard of attractiveness. He stated,
“The truth is I was very happy. I think he is the most handsome man on the planet, and being compared to him was something positive. He was and is a great sex symbol — an American ideal of beauty — and I won’t hide that I liked that model of beauty.”
This resemblance has allowed Kontos to secure a position as Pitt’s stand-in and body double for the movie production, marking a pivotal moment in his career.
Roles and Responsibilities in the Filming of “The Riders”
Kontos revealed that he will take part in both typical and action-packed scenes during the production. Upon arriving in Hydra, he mentioned,
“I arrived in Hydra today. I’ve been hired by an American production to do the stand-in. I’ll play in both dangerous and normal scenes. Today is the fitting and tomorrow filming starts. It will be two weeks in Hydra and two weeks in Athens.”
He has reviewed the script and confirmed that several of his scenes involve significant action sequences. Despite public confusion due to their similar appearances, Kontos noted some personal differences between himself and Pitt:
“There are quite a few scenes I have — they’re action scenes. People confuse me quite a bit with Brad Pitt, but we don’t actually have much in common. I don’t understand why.”
Implications for Hydra and Greece’s Film Industry
The transformation of Hydra into a major international film set highlights Greece’s expanding role as a preferred destination for movie productions. The collaboration between Brad Pitt and Aris Kontos not only brings Hollywood glamor to the island but also strengthens Greece’s profile within the global entertainment industry. As the shooting continues over the coming weeks, with locations in Hydra and Athens, this project is expected to elevate local interest and economic activity linked to filmmaking.
Given the high level of anticipation surrounding the shoot and the involvement of an actor’s official double, the production may pave the way for further collaborations between Hollywood and Greece. This will likely enhance Greece’s appeal as a filming destination while boosting tourism and cultural exchange.
