Kellan Lutz is host of new TV series Bullseye
US actor Kellan Lutz, host of stunt challenge Bullseye, says he appreciates that he is recognised by Twilight fans for his role in the movie franchise
Kellan Lutz is a self-professed adrenaline junkie, which makes his latest project the perfect outlet for him.
The hunky US actor is the host of new reality TV competition Bullseye, where eight contestants are put through outrageous and extreme stunts in order to win the top prize of US$50,000 (S$67,000).
Best known for playing tough guy vampire Emmett Cullen in The Twilight Saga film series, Lutz has continued to put his physique and athletic ability to good use, starring in action flicks such as Immortals (2011), The Legend Of Hercules (2014) and The Expendables 3 (2014).
In Bullseye, which premieres tonight at 8pm on Universal Channel (StarHub Ch 512), Lutz was able to get in on the action himself - until he cracked his head open.
Calling it an unfortunate accident, he told M over the phone from Los Angeles that he was a bit embarrassed by the boo-boo.
The 31-year-old explained that it took place as he was demonstrating a challenge called the Human Slingshot, where a contestant was to be "catapulted over a 300-foot (91m) cliff and down to the canyon floor".
"One of the carabiners (metal loops) cracked my skull a little bit, and my head started bleeding," said Lutz, adding that he received five staples to shut the wound.
"I'm fine because there was no pain, and I knew how to take pain after having performed many stunts in my movies."
Stressing that all the death-defying acts in Bullseye were "extremely safe" as they were tested out by the show's safety team, Lutz said the show allowed him and the contestants "the chance to be a kid again".
While he loves doing all kinds of stunts, he is not as adventurous when it comes to eating strange food.
NO COCKROACHES
"I have boundaries... there is no way I'd ever eat a cockroach!" he said, laughing.
THRILLING: US actor Kellan Lutz is not ready to give up on the action genre any time soon (above). PHOTO: UNIVERSAL CHANNELLutz has just finished filming two movies in Australia, including the action adventure flick Nest alongside Li Bingbing and Kelsey Grammer, and is looking for some downtime "to recharge".
He loves to travel and is heartened that he still gets recognised as the "big dude from the vampire films or Hercules" whenever he is abroad.
"I do kind of stand out. I'm always the big guy. Also, in some countries, my blond hair and stature really make me stand out," said the 1.85m tall actor.
Lutz said he would never tire of Twihards approaching him for selfies and autographs.
"They were the ones who allowed me to play Emmett for five movies... any fan is like a family member to me."
Lutz does not plan to give up on the action genre.
But he does dream of having a career like that of Oscar winner Matt Damon.
"He's a very versatile actor. He can combine drama and comedy like in The Martian, and he has action comedies such as the Ocean's Eleven movies.
"Then he has the Jason Bourne movies where he's an action hero through and through," said Lutz.
"(Matt) is also a great family man who stays out of the limelight.
"I really admire how he keeps his life pretty private and I would love to emulate (that)."
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