Gabriel Basso returns as FBI agent Peter Sutherland in the highly anticipated second season of Netflix’s political action-thriller, The Night Agent. With the new season dropping on January 23rd, viewers can expect even more intense action sequences, requiring Basso to be in peak physical condition. But Basso’s preparation for the role goes far beyond just hitting the gym; it involves a holistic approach that prioritizes functional strength, combat skills, and realistic movement.
Functional Strength Over Aesthetics
Basso’s approach to fitness is a refreshing departure from typical Hollywood actor training. He prioritizes health and functionality, focusing on building raw strength required for realistic action sequences, rather than simply pursuing an aesthetic physique. As he explained to US Weekly, he looks back to the early 1900’s where the approach was “health first, strength second, and looks third,” stating that “the aesthetic and looking good is a byproduct of the first two.”
Heavy Lifting With a Twist
Basso’s training incorporates plenty of heavy lifting, but it’s not just the standard gym routine. He’s been seen hoisting massive stones and 140 kg sandbags, alongside more traditional weightlifting. This type of training, using awkward objects, helps to build overall strength while also testing the stabilizing core muscles and grip strength. This unique approach helps him to perform the complex physical feats required for the role.
Combat Training: Real-World Skills for On-Screen Action
For Basso, combat training is not just for show; it’s an integral part of his preparation. With a background in combat sports, he already had a solid foundation which he built on for The Night Agent.
Boxing Drills
Basso is seen on his Instagram throwing punches at a heavy bag. Boxing drills help to build his aerobic base and sharpen his reflexes. This training is crucial for the gritty, hands-on fight scenes in The Night Agent. As Men’s Health Fitness Director, Andrew Tracey, noted, there is a big difference between someone who looks the part and someone who can genuinely convince the audience they know how to throw a punch.
Judo and Martial Arts
Basso has also shared footage of judo training, highlighting the importance of martial arts in his routine. Martial arts are excellent for building functional strength and balance, crucial for the fluid movements required in action scenes. Basso has emphasized the importance of realistic action and that he does all of his own fighting in the stunts, making sure that everything he does on screen is something he could do realistically.
Weapons Handling: A Focus on Realism
Beyond physical training, Basso put a lot of emphasis on weapons handling, aiming for a high level of realism on screen. He worked with technical advisors to ensure his movements and techniques looked authentic.
Attention to Detail
Basso has stated that while acting, running, and fighting are intuitive for him, his main focus for The Night Agent was making the weapons handling look realistic. He would rewatch edits of fights to identify anything that didn’t look credible, constantly striving for greater accuracy in his portrayal. This focus on detail contributes significantly to the believability of his character as a skilled agent.
The Importance of Technical Advisors
Basso also worked closely with technical advisors who had real-life experience in the surveillance industry. This collaboration helped him understand the intricacies of his character’s work, including the surprising reality of how “boring it is.” The actor admitted he was ‘shocked’ by ‘how boring it is’, stating that “It’s just sitting there,”. This practical understanding adds another layer of authenticity to his performance.
A Grounded Approach to Violence
Basso was drawn to The Night Agent because of the show’s grounded approach to violence. He doesn’t like when violence is romanticized on screen and was glad to hear that the show’s creator, Shawn Ryan, shared this vision for a “grimy” and realistic portrayal. This commitment to realism is reflected in every aspect of his performance, from his physical training to his handling of weapons.
Season 2 and Beyond
Season 2 of The Night Agent sees Peter Sutherland thrown into another complex conspiracy, requiring Basso to be more mobile and involved in high-stakes missions. Behind-the-scenes images have showcased his intense training, further building anticipation for the new season. The show has garnered massive popularity on Netflix, solidifying Basso’s role as a believable and compelling action star.
The Future of The Night Agent
Despite the show’s success, Basso has hinted that he might take a break from acting sooner rather than later. However, creator Shawn Ryan has already considered the possibility of the series continuing with a different night agent, emphasizing that the show is not called “The Gabriel Basso Show”, ensuring that the series could continue should Basso ever choose to leave.
Basso’s Legacy
Whether or not Basso continues with the series, his preparation for the role of Peter Sutherland has set a new standard for action-oriented performances. His dedication to functional strength, realistic combat skills, and authentic weapons handling has made him a convincing and engaging action hero. His ability to connect with the audience through a grounded and believable portrayal is a testament to his commitment to his craft. As The Night Agent continues to evolve, Basso’s approach will likely serve as an example for future actors taking on similar roles.
