Ryan Gosling's 'The Fall Guy' is a love letter to stunt performers

stunt performers

Ryan Gosling's latest project, "The Fall Guy," pays homage to the unsung heroes of the film industry: stunt performers. Inspired by the beloved 1980s TV series of the same name, the film follows the journey of Colt Seavers, a seasoned Hollywood stuntman portrayed by Gosling himself.

Colt Seavers finds himself at a crossroads after an on-set accident leaves him down on his luck. However, fate intervenes when an ambitious film producer, portrayed by Hannah Waddingham, offers him a chance to resurrect his career. Tasked with rescuing the directorial debut of his love interest, Jody, played by Emily Blunt, Colt embarks on a mission to locate the missing leading man, Tom Ryder, portrayed by Aaron Taylor-Johnson.

As the plot unfolds, Colt finds himself entangled in a criminal conspiracy, forcing him to leverage his stunt expertise both on and off the screen to save the day. For Gosling, the film is not just entertainment; it's a heartfelt tribute to the tireless efforts of stunt performers who often go unrecognized for their contributions to cinematic magic.

"I've benefited from the work of stunt people my whole career. They come in and they take the hits for you and then get none of the credit. That ends here. Hopefully, the whole conversation is different after this film," Gosling expressed at the movie's London premiere.

Indeed, "The Fall Guy" serves as a love letter to stunt performers and the behind-the-scenes crew who make movie magic possible. Director David Leitch aimed to capture the essence of classic stunt work, with many action scenes featuring real, in-camera stunts. Gosling's stunt double, Logan Holladay, even set a Guinness World Record during filming for the most cannon rolls in a car, showcasing the dedication and skill of the stunt team.

Stunt coordinator Chris O'Hara received a "stunt designer" credit—a first in the industry—recognizing the multifaceted nature of his role. The creators hope that this acknowledgment will pave the way for stunt performers to be recognized by prestigious awards such as the Academy Awards.

As actor Winston Duke aptly puts it, "The Fall Guy" celebrates the backbone of the film industry—the action movie—and highlights the invaluable contributions of stunt performers to cinematic storytelling.

With its global release scheduled for April 24, "The Fall Guy" promises audiences an exhilarating blend of action, romance, and intrigue, all while shining a spotlight on the unsung heroes of Hollywood.