Exclusive Interview: Preston Corbell on the Adrenaline, Artistry, and Discipline Behind Every Stunt

Few careers are as daring—or as multifaceted—as Preston Corbell’s. For more than two decades, he’s been the man behind some of television and film’s most unforgettable stunts, doubling for icons like Chad Michael Murray on One Tree Hill and Danny McBride on Eastbound & Down. His precision, adaptability, and dedication to the craft have made him one of the most respected figures in the stunt community, recently landing him another incredible collaboration with Marvel.

But behind the high-speed chases, wire work, and full-body burns is a story of resilience. What began as a devastating sports injury became the spark that ignited a lifelong passion. Preston transformed adversity into opportunity, channeling the discipline of his basketball roots into a stunt career defined by grit and evolution. And while he continues to push the limits of what’s possible on screen, he’s also building an equally impactful path off set—as a Doctor of Psychology specializing in sports and performance.

Pop Culturalist caught up with Preston to chat about his incredible journey from One Tree Hill to Marvel, the lessons learned from failure, and how he’s using his platform to help athletes navigate their mental health journeys with the same courage he’s brought to every stunt.

PC: It was your time on One Tree Hill that first sparked your passion for acting and stunt work. What was it about that experience, in particular, that made you realize this was the path you wanted to pivot your career toward?
Preston: One Tree Hill is where everything started. So many projects and connections came from my time on that show. It all began with my love for basketball. I ruptured my Achilles tendon in college, which ended my basketball career — but what was such a devastating injury turned into an unexpected opportunity. I was cast as the double for Lucas Scott (Chad Michael Murray).

Since One Tree Hill centers around basketball, that’s where my expertise came into play. My stunt career was sparked by basketball, and working on One Tree Hill helped open the door to other opportunities in stunt work. The show was filmed in North Carolina, and I was fortunate to work on other productions shot on the same lot, including serving as the double for Kenny Powers (Danny McBride) on Eastbound & Down. My career has always been rooted in stunt work. I’ve acted and worked behind the camera in various capacities, but stunt work has always been home base.

PC: You’ve had so much success in your career as a stuntman. What’s been a standout moment for you along the way, and what do you think people would be most surprised to learn about the work you do?
Preston: The biggest standout in my career has been my versatility. I’m able to adapt to new stunts and perform a wide range of them with a quick turnaround. Working in television gives you a unique experience as a stuntman—on some projects, there are only a handful of us, and each episode can have entirely different stunt requirements. Having the ability to pivot and learn on the fly has always been one of my strengths.

I’ve also had to change body types quickly. For example, I would switch back and forth between doubling Kenny Powers and Lucas Scott—a 40-pound difference—during opposite season schedules, and I did that for multiple years. I’ve always been drawn to car stunts. I grew up loving racing and was behind the wheel at thirteen.

I think the most surprising thing people learn about my work as a stuntman is that I’m not an adrenaline junkie. While some stunts definitely bring a rush, my main focus is always to stay calm, calculated, and avoid injury.

PC: You also have a Doctorate in Psychology. How has that background influenced your work on screen, and how has your on-screen experience, in turn, informed your perspective in psychology?
Preston: Having a Doctorate in Psychology brings immense knowledge and empathy to every aspect of life. Earning that degree was a long journey—I often took hybrid classes, completing schoolwork on set and in film trailers between scenes. That experience taught me discipline and balance.

The bridge between my education and my stunt work is my ability to help professional athletes. I specialize in sports psychology, which allows me to combine my academic background with over twenty years of experience as a professional athlete to support others in their mental health journeys.

I’ve always known that stunt work has its limits and a natural timetable. While I’m still very active in the field, I’m also building my career as a Doctor of Psychology. When the time comes to hang up the stunt gear, my focus will shift to helping fellow athletes navigate their own paths—both mentally and professionally.

PC: You’ve shared this beautiful anecdote about how your resilience comes from failure, and that you never truly learn until you fall down. What moment in your life best embodies that ethos? And what advice would you give to aspiring actors or stunt performers trying to make it in this industry?
Preston: A successful man fails more times than his counterparts—he’s just relentless in his pursuit of success. I’ve failed constantly, and my life has been full of ups and downs. It’s easy to wish things had gone differently, but for every setback I’ve faced, I’ve learned a lesson. More importantly, I’ve grown and come back stronger. When I fail, I put my head down and work. It’s in those unseen moments—when no one is watching—that you creep up on success and capture a new goal or chapter in your life.

There have been several moments in my stunt career that tested what I’m made of. During one wire stunt, in between scenes, my wire unexpectedly retracted. I flew more than ten feet backward and slammed onto my hip and back. I tore several muscles and injured my vertebrae. At the time, I didn’t realize how serious it was—I just knew I was in bad shape. I lay there for about ten seconds before the stunt coordinator came over and asked, “You good?” I paused, took a breath, and said, “Yeah, let’s go again.”

That night, I went back to my hotel room and cried from the pain. But it was in that moment I knew I could push through anything—that I could face any fear and any obstacle. Sometimes, you just have to take a moment, gather yourself, and when someone asks if you’re good, say, “Yeah, let’s go again.”

PC: What’s next for you, and what’s still on your bucket list to accomplish?
Preston: I’ve accomplished so much this year—it’s been one of my most successful yet. I have three projects coming up, and I had the incredible opportunity to work with Marvel again. I also completed my first full-body burn, which was wild—definitely not enjoyable, but successful. I recently rode a superbike at 160 mph on a racetrack. Things are moving fast, and I know I’m nearing the end of my time performing stunts, so I’m checking off some big bucket list items while I can.

Looking ahead, one of my next goals is to launch a stunt clothing line. I already have the designs ready—just waiting for the right moment, which looks to be in 2026. I want to continue building my brand and producing content that feels explosive and authentic—something that makes me proud as a stunt performer. Lastly, I’m focused on growing my psychology career and helping professional athletes in their mental health journeys.

To keep up with Preston, follow him on Instagram.