Eugene Brave Rock: Wonder Woman’s breakout star on becoming a Native American superhero Hailing from the Kainai Nation reserve in the snowy Canadian state of Alberta, Eugene Brave Rock is stunned by his […]

Hailing from the Kainai Nation reserve in the snowy Canadian state of Alberta, Eugene Brave Rock is stunned by his new-found fame.

The stuntman-turned-actor shone as Chief Napi in this year’s hit blockbuster Wonder Woman. The superhero flick smashed box office records earlier this year, taking over $800m worldwide.

But even so, the Native American admits to being “humbled” by the movie’s success. And his subsequent recognisability.

The i newsletter cut through the noise Email address is invalid Email address is invalid Thank you for subscribing! Sorry, there was a problem with your subscription.

“I have so much gratitude for the success of Wonder Woman,” he told i.

“I can’t go anywhere without being recognised. I’m extremely proud to represent my people – and share my language and culture with the world.”

A groundbreaking turn

Outside of the praise Wonder Woman has received for having a female hero centre-stage, the movie also represents a first for Native Americans.

Fictional tour de force Chief Napi, of the Blackfoot tribe, fights alongside Wonder Woman in the film.

Brave Rock has since taken to Twitter to confirm a popular fan theory. Namely that Napi is in fact a demi-god. A confirmation that makes him the first on-screen Native American superhero.

Blackfoot culture hero and Demi-god — Eugene Brave Rock (@genebraverock) 24 June 2017

Chief Napi demonstrates his culture throughout the movie, often speaking in his native tongue.

This chance to share an often under-represented culture moved some Native American film-goers to tears.

“I am so proud and honoured to represent and share my language and culture with the world,” says Brave Rock.

“I think it is important because it’s not to often we get that opportunity to show people a bit of our history and who we really are. It was an opportunity to bridge the gaps between our cultures.”

Stuntman to leading man

Brave Rock always had an interest in acting, ever since his younger days on the reserve.

Finding work as a stuntman, he made his way into Hollywood through action work in the Western genre.

Brave Rock was regularly involved with AMC’s Hell on Wheels, before providing stunts in 2015’s Oscar-winning historical thriller The Revenant.

After appearances in a number of minor roles for TV, Wonder Woman represented Brave Rock’s first big break.

The transition hasn’t always been easy. But Brave Rock puts his success down to “taking every opportunity I get”.

“It has been a wonderful journey and I have so much gratitude for the footsteps I have taken.”

Looking to the future

Following on from Wonder Woman, Brave Rock has returned to stunt work in Canadian cop drama Tin Star. His next onscreen appearance is in upcoming US sci-fi drama American Mythos.

Brave Rock hopes his success in Hollywood can prove influential.

“I hope it encourages pride in the native community. I hope it will bring inspiration to the youth of Native America and teach them to never give up on your dreams.

“To teach them that anything in life is possible.”

Wonder Woman is out on Blu-Ray and DVD in October