Nithaar Brenner performing his stunt double duties on the upcoming Showmax series, 'Spinners'
’s spinning community is in for a massive treat later this year when a new series will debut on Showmax.
Called Spinners, the series follows 17-year-old Ethan, played by Cantona James, who gets embroiled in gang activities, but then sees spinning as an opportunity to escape the gang’s clutches.
In addition to Cantona, the series also features several of his Arendsvlei co-stars, including Chelsea Thomas, Dillon Windvogel, and Elton Landrew.
The mini-series will be available to stream from 8 November 2023.
A proper stunt double
Given the intricate nature of spinning and how the driver commanding the car must show exceptional skill and talent to perform perfectly and safely, Spinners director Jaco Bouwer looked to Cape Town’s Brenner family for assistance.
Enter Nithaar Brenner, 16, who stepped up as Cantona’s stunt double. Nithaar is a familiar name and face in Cape Town’s spinning circles, having competed in several sanctioned events and regularly walking away as the winner, or as a top 3 finisher.
READ | It’s all about the spin for Cape Town’s Brenner family
But just how did he get the gig? For a talented guy like him, easy!
“My dad’s friend asked if I’d like to take part in a new series called Spinners, and I said yes because it will be a big opportunity for me,” Nithaar said when we asked him about his involvement.
“Spinning in the series just makes it more exciting, because of the adrenaline rush that’s going through your body and staying focused. Spinning is also about the art of controlling the chaos while creating the entertainment.”
Working with Cantona
Not only was the gig as a stunt double something new for Nithaar, but it also gave him the chance to work with some of the finest acting talents in South Africa. In this case, Cantona.
Nithaar says that it was great seeing how actors operate and go about their business, but it was even better having the chance to learn Cantona something about spinning.
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“It was a great opportunity working with someone like him, and he even learned a few things such as how to do a doughnut.”
But having tasted the conditions of a film set, does Nithaar have his eyes on the big screen and pursuing a career as a stunt double?
“Yes! I think that it would be a great career choice,” he said, referring to the fine details and precision driving just as the director wants, everytime.
“Knowing how to fall and to work with harnesses will give any stunt performer a competitive advantage. But for now I’m still keeping my options open.”
