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Tewfik Jallab defies typecasting in Paris Has Fallen; vows to diversify roles
Cinema Vines

Tewfik Jallab defies typecasting in Paris Has Fallen; vows to diversify roles

For 44‑year‑old Tewfik Jallab, the worldwide success of Paris Has Fallen has opened doors but also presented a familiar trap: the danger of being typecast as a one‑dimensional action hero. The actor, who reprises his role as Vincent Taleb in the second season, is already planning how to avoid letting the franchise define his career.

After a grueling eight‑month shooting schedule, Jallab says the global response to the first season surpassed his expectations. "When you work, you expect that people like what you do. But the worldwide reaction was amazing," he told reporters. He added that the praise is felt most strongly through the feedback he receives from fans, since the long production cycle keeps him physically distant from the audience.

Despite the franchise’s action‑heavy nature, Jallab is determined to diversify. He insists on performing his own stunts, calling it a “100% action” commitment, yet he also highlights his desire to explore roles that go beyond physicality. "I love action, but it’s more than just two people shooting at each other. I’m looking for a balance that lets me showcase other skills," he explained.

Between the two seasons, Jallab has already taken on a variety of projects to break the mould. He shot two feature films, a musical, and a story about two gypsy brothers, stating that these choices demonstrate his versatility and keep him from being boxed into a single genre.

Maintaining the chemistry from the first season remains a priority. "What I didn’t want to lose is the relationship between Zara, played by British‑Indian actor Ritu Arya, and Vincent," Jallab said. He hopes the second season will preserve that dynamic while expanding the world’s scope.

Looking ahead, Jallab is not planning to abandon action altogether. Instead, he seeks roles that allow him to blend action with deeper character work. "I have a lot of skills and there are many things I wish to play and am capable of playing," he added, underscoring his commitment to both his craft and his audience.