Charles Esten Shares Behind-The-Scenes Footage From Epic ‘Outer Banks’ Fight Scene 5 Years Later
Actor reveals intense preparation tactics with co-star Chase Stokes for memorable showdown
Pratibha holds a master's degree in English from Madras University. A bookworm from a young age, she devours books and digital humanities to nourish her writing projects. Pratibha began her writing career in 2018 and has experience writing formal, informal, and technical content.
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Charles Esten, known for playing the complex villain Ward Cameron in Netflix’s hit series ‘Outer Banks,’ is celebrating a significant milestone from the show. The actor recently shared behind-the-scenes footage from a pivotal fight scene that aired exactly five years ago.
The ‘my Druthers’ Showdown
In an Instagram post marked with nostalgia, Esten shared rare footage from the set of Season 1, Episode 7, titled “Dead Calm.” The post features a video showing the moments before filming the intense confrontation between his character Ward Cameron and Chase Stokes’ character John B aboard the boat named “My Druthers.”
The video captures the two actors preparing for their scene, already engaging in the early stages of their choreographed battle. In the footage, both actors appear to be getting into character, building the tension and physical exertion that would make their on-screen fight appear more authentic.
Preparation Tactics Revealed
What makes this behind-the-scenes look particularly interesting is Esten’s revelation about their unique preparation method. According to his caption, he and Stokes would “start the battle early” before cameras rolled, ensuring they were both “out-of-breath and more than a little angry” when filming began.
“Such a great scene partner. Such a fun (and exhausting) day!” Esten wrote about working with Stokes, highlighting the dedication both actors brought to creating one of the show’s most memorable confrontations.
Esten also credited director Valerie Weiss, who helmed the episode featuring this climactic showdown between the two characters. The scene represents a crucial turning point in the first season’s storyline, where the tension between Ward and John B reaches its breaking point.
‘outer Banks’ Legacy Continues
The post comes as ‘Outer Banks’ continues to maintain its popularity on Netflix, having released three seasons with a fourth currently in production. The series follows a group of teenagers in North Carolina’s Outer Banks as they hunt for a legendary treasure, with Ward Cameron serving as one of the primary antagonists.
For fans of the show, this glimpse behind the curtain offers a deeper appreciation for the physicality and preparation that went into creating such a pivotal moment in the series. Esten’s hashtag “#cantkillapogue” references his character’s adversarial relationship with the Pogues, the group of friends at the center of the show’s narrative.
Charles Esten’s Versatile Career
Beyond his role as Ward Cameron, Charles Esten has built an impressive career spanning television, music, and theater. Before ‘Outer Banks,’ he was perhaps best known for his role as Deacon Claybourne on the musical drama series ‘Nashville,’ where he showcased both his acting and musical talents.
Esten, born Charles Esten Puskar III, began his career in improvisational comedy with the group Whose Line Is It Anyway? before transitioning to more dramatic roles. His versatility as a performer has allowed him to move between comedy, drama, and music throughout his career.
Upcoming Projects And Performances
Esten remains active both as an actor and musician. In recent Instagram posts, he has promoted several upcoming musical performances, including his return to the Windjammer in Isle of Palms, Charleston for the 5th Annual WARDJAMMER concert on August 8th. He playfully incorporates his ‘Outer Banks’ character into the event name, showing his embrace of the role that has introduced him to a new generation of fans.
The actor has also been celebrating personal milestones, recently sharing posts about his daughter Taylor’s wedding, expressing joy about “the wonderful man that He placed at the center of her life and her heart.”
Additionally, Esten has been collaborating with other musicians, recently appearing on Dylan Altman’s Soul Stew YouTube show, where he performed a cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “Dancing in the Dark” and an original song called “Down the Road.”
As ‘Outer Banks’ approaches its fourth season, fans will be watching to see what’s next for Ward Cameron and whether the character will continue his complex relationship with the show’s protagonists. Given the enthusiasm with which Esten shares these behind-the-scenes moments, it’s clear he holds his role in the popular series in high regard.
For now, fans can enjoy this rare glimpse into the making of one of the show’s most intense confrontations, appreciating the craft and dedication that went into creating a memorable television moment.
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