Jason Momoa Warned Yahya Abdul-Mateen II About Doing His Own Stunts

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II returned to the spotlight with charm and humor, reflecting on his journey from athletic roots to Hollywood leading man. Before stepping into drama school, he was all about basketball confident on the court and even throwing down dunks but admits his focus shifted once acting took center stage. As he joked, “basketball practice” eventually turned into “basketball rehearsal,” signaling a clear pivot toward his craft.

Looking back, Yahya laughed about his younger days, from confidently posing with what he thought was a flute (it was actually a clarinet) to dominating on the court. While he may not play like he used to, that same confidence and drive clearly carried over into his acting career.

Now starring in Man on Fire, he steps into a gritty, action-packed role as a highly skilled special agent thrown back into a dangerous world. The role demanded intense physicality—and yes, he performed many of his own stunts. Though he admits he’s still feeling the aftermath, he embraced the challenge fully.

He also shared a bit of wisdom from his Aquaman days, recalling advice from Jason Momoa, who warned him to leave the stunts to the professionals. Safe to say, Yahya didn’t quite follow that advice—but the results speak for themselves.

From sports to the stage to high-octane action, Yahya continues to evolve, bringing charisma, depth, and undeniable presence to every role he takes on. See more inside…