1. What first drew you to working in personal security, and how did you transition into the world of film?

I left the British Military in 2003 to work back in the Middle East as a Private Security Contractor. That was my route into the Personal Security space. I worked on a movie called The Green Zone in 2010 with Matt Damon. I played a US Special Forces Solider. That’s when I knew one day I would leave personal security and take up acting full time.

2. What was it like doubling for Dave Bautista in Final Score? Any standout moments on set?

Doubling for Dave was a great job. At the time of Final Score being filmed Dave was a huge guy, much bigger than he is today. I used his costume to film in and almost all of it was too big for me. I was also lucky enough to use his trailer and had a car to go to set.

3. You’ve worked with some of the most high-profile celebrities in the world – how do you stay calm under pressure?

I used to work in the Middle East between Iraq and Afghanistan as a private bodyguard for many years. Staying calm under intense pressure was expected often. When I came home to the UK and started looking after A-list celebrities I found it easy to cope with given the countries I had previously been working in.

4. Which do you enjoy more – being on set or working behind the scenes in security?

I left personal security just over six years now and have never looked back. Being on set is definitely more favourable for me.

5. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows is such a high-energy film – how did you prepare physically for your role in that?

Sherlock Holmes was a great film for me. Guy Ritchie is a lot of actors’ dream director to work with. We filmed at the Old Chatham Historical Dockyard and in Oxford. As a bodyguard I was always physically fit, I still carry on with that mindset for acting today. Screen fighting requires physical fitness and skill all rolled into one. There was a lot of gun fighting and physical fighting in this movie.

6. British Vogue once dubbed you the “Real Style Star of London Fashion Week” – what’s your go-to look for a high-pressure day?

I didn’t used to wear anything too exciting. Day to day I was wearing jeans, trainers, a black T-shirt and a bomber jacket. At the time I would wear another brand of bomber jacket. However, Simon Newton London bomber jackets are the only ones I wear today.

7. What 5 things would you say to a school pupil who wants to work in movies – whether as an actor, bodyguard, or behind the camera?

• Make sure you work hard at school and get the most out of it you can as it will soon be over.
• Look at film or media studies for when you finish school, performing arts if you want to be an actor.
• Never give up, it’s a tough business to break into but anything is possible as long as you keep pushing.
• Never do what’s easy. To be different to many and make your mark you must always do what’s difficult. That way you will see much bigger gains in your life.
• Work hard, live and breathe achieving the profession you wish to pursue. Never give up and it will happen.

8. Have your experiences as a bodyguard shaped the kind of roles you’re drawn to in film?

Kind of, I am typecast anyway given my appearance. Often, I get asked to play bodyguards, police officers, soldiers, mafia figures, prison officers, prison inmates etc.

9. You’ve now launched your own company, Askari Secure – how do you juggle running a business with acting and film work?

Askari Secure Ltd is a Private Security Company that I started in 2010. Simon Newton London Ltd is a clothing brand that started in 2024 and has gone strength to strength since. Most of my time now is juggled between film and fashion. My time spent with the security company is minimal now. I have a great team of people working for me to make sure we keep up with the demand of every business. This also allows me to be away from the office when I am filming.

10. Can you tell us anything about the new film projects you’re currently working on?

Currently I am working on Rise of the Footsoldier: Ibiza, a popular UK film franchise. I play a character called Maxim, a defected Bosnian soldier involved in selling firearms. Most of the film was shot in Ibiza before Christmas last year, and we have just finished filming in the UK this month. The movie is set to hit the cinemas around November 2025.