The second season of Apple TV’s Palm Royale includes an extended fight sequence between Kristen Wiig’s character Maxine Dellacorte-Simmons and Claudia Ferri’s character Raquel Kimberly-Marco. The scene draws inspiration from classic television dramas of the 1970s, particularly the catfights featured in Dynasty.
Stunt coordinator Mallory Thompson researched the source material extensively before designing the two-and-a-half-minute brawl. Working alongside Emmy-nominated stunt performers Sonja Wajih and Colby Lemmo, Thompson choreographed the sequence to utilize the entire Palm Beach mansion set, moving through multiple rooms, up and down stairs, and concluding outdoors where one character is hog-tied after the two accidentally fall into the backyard pool.
Unlike typical fight scenes in television that last 10 to 20 seconds, creator Abe Sylvia and producer Jesse Sternbaum encouraged an extended sequence. Thompson explained the production team wanted to maintain the Dynasty aesthetic by having the fight continue throughout the various locations within the house. The staircase presented the greatest safety challenges, with performers executing falls while wearing heels and minimal clothing that prevented additional protective padding.
Both Wiig and Ferri contributed to the authenticity of the scene by performing their own stunts where possible. Thompson noted the actresses were willing to participate extensively, though certain elements like throwing performers down stairs required protective measures. The sequence incorporated numerous vocal reactions from the actresses, which Thompson credits with enhancing both the realism and comedic elements of the fight scene. While the stunt performers sustained minor bruising, no serious injuries occurred during production.
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