Jennifer Garner recalls biting off "chunk" of actor's ear during fight scene
Washington DC, February 5
Hollywood actor Jennifer Garner has recalled an intense fight scene from an earlier project in which she bit off a "chunk" of a fellow actor's ear while filming.
Speaking during a panel for The Last Thing He Told Me, Garner said she reunited on set with actor and stuntman Sala Baker nearly two decades after the incident, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
"The last time I fought him was in The Kingdom," Garner said, referring to the 2007 action thriller directed by Peter Berg. She explained that the director encouraged realism during the scene and gave minimal choreography, telling both actors to do whatever was necessary to survive, as quoted by E! News.
"He did, and I did, and I ended up scrambling onto his back," she went on. "I bit his ear, and we have a picture of him missing a chunk of ear, because we were not kidding," she said.
The two later reunited for a kidnapping scene in season two of Apple TV+ series The Last Thing He Told Me. Garner said neither she nor Baker held back during filming, prompting concern from the crew early in the shoot, according to E! News.
"We went for it in a way that the crew, this was maybe our first or second day of shooting--were like, 'Can you be careful with her?'" the 13 Going on 30 star recalled. "I was like, 'No, no, no, no, he's not going to be careful. I'm not going to be careful. Just back out of the way. I have a score to settle here.'"
During the panel, her co-star Nicolaj Coster-Waldau, who plays her on-screen husband in the series, reacted with surprise when she repeated the story. Garner jokingly compared the incident to Mike Tyson's infamous 1997 boxing match moment.
Despite the story, Garner defended her actions with humour, warning that she should not be underestimated.
Garner also spoke about why portraying Hannah Hall, a woman determined to protect her stepdaughter, has been particularly rewarding. She said the character's preparedness and determination drive much of the show's emotional core.
Season two of The Last Thing He Told Me is set to premiere on February 20, according to E! News.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is why we need proper safety protocols, even in Hollywood. The director telling them to "do whatever was necessary" is irresponsible. In our film industry, the fight masters choreograph everything precisely to prevent such accidents. Realism shouldn't come at the cost of an actor's safety.
Haha, Jennifer Garner is a total badass! "I have a score to settle here" – what a line. 😂 Makes me want to watch *The Kingdom* again. Our Indian action heroes like Tiger Shroff should take notes on this level of commitment!
It's a funny story now, but it must have been terrifying and painful in the moment. I appreciate her honesty and humor about it. Shows that even A-list stars have these wild, unglamorous moments on set.
Comparing it to Mike Tyson is spot on! 🤣 This is the kind of behind-the-scenes gossip that's more entertaining than the movie itself. Sala Baker is a real sport for working with her again after that. True professional.
As a mother myself, I find it more interesting what she says about her character's determination to protect her stepdaughter. That's a relatable and powerful theme. The ear-biting is a wild anecdote, but her work on the show seems meaningful.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.