ALAA SAFI: How sport and theater have shaped its career

Originally from the Paris region, Alaa Safi was a great champion of martial arts before becoming an actor. Tom Cruise, Harrison Ford, Jackie Chan or John Travolta: he turned with the older ones. At 40, he carved out a singular place in international cinema. Today, he embodies Simon the zealot in “The Chosen”, a phenomenon series in seven seasons which traces by adapting the life of Jesus and his disciples on Netflix. While season 5 has been available since August 15, 2025, he has granted an exclusive interview to “20 minutes”. Badder, actor and director, he managed to transform each stage of his life into a springboard.

How did you go from high-level sport to cinema?

I started the taekwondo at 7 and, at 18, I was world champion. Then, quite naturally, I was asked to make waterfalls in films. It was a way to travel, discover platforms in Thailand, India, France. But very quickly, I wanted to interpret characters. So I studied the theater with Jack Waltzer at the Blanche Sallant & Paul Weaver workshop.

Your international career has started with Jackie Chan.

Yes, “Chinese Zodiac” in 2012 was a turning point. Jackie is a perfectionist who does not let go and takes care of the whole team. After this film, I chained with “Doctor Strange”, “American Assassin”, “Death on the Nile” and “Indiana Jones and the Destiny Dial”.

A memory of Harrison Ford?

On “Indiana Jones”, I replaced him on certain waterfalls. I launched him: “Mister Ford, I’m here to prevent you from running like at 17!” He replied: “Too bad, I was ready to break my record.” At over 80, he was punctual, involved and sometimes voluntary for waterfalls. A real model.

And on “Doctor Strange”?

I remember a repeated fight with Mads Mikkelsen, who gave me very precise advice. Tilda Swinton, she observed everything in silence and blew me out: “It was magnificent” after a successful catch. These brands of esteem are precious.

How did you integrate “The Chosen”?

By chance: my agent offered me a remote hearing. I knew Simon the zealot badly, but I was intrigued by his depth. My visa was validated at the last minute, in the middle of the pandemic – with a boost from Tilda Swinton who had written a letter in my favor.

What do you like in this character?

Simon is a man in search of meaning, guided by his faith and a great discipline, which speaks to me a lot. It has an inner intensity, but also doubts. And the French-speaking public has given me a warm welcome, especially since I myself dubbing.

What is the atmosphere on the set?

Very united. We see ourselves outside the filming. And the sets, thought in the smallest detail, plunges you directly into the universe, without effort of play.

You are also a director.

Yes, I have co -directed “Chrysalis” (2020) and “Coming Home” (2023), awarded in several American festivals. With my partner, Elena Borgogni, we prepare the shooting of “Icaros” which follows an aspiring actor. It’s important for me to tell my own stories.

Can we say that your career is built between action and emotion?

Sport gave me the discipline, the theater sensitivity. Whether in a blockbuster or a series with a spiritual dimension like “The Chosen”, I try to remain sincere. We don’t cheat with the public.