There’s been a push in recent years for the Academy to add a category for stunts, and while that has yet to happen, it’s been nice to see stunt coordinators and performers finally gain more appreciation for their work. John Wick is one of many films (along with Fury Road, and whatever movie you’re thinking of, lest you get angry we didn’t name-drop it here) that helped raise the profile of stunt workers, in part because it was co-directed by a pair of coordinators and performers—Chad Stahelski and David Leitch, who have since established themselves as compelling action filmmakers. Leitch’s next project could potentially be his most compelling yet, as Deadline reports that he’s set to direct an upcoming drama about a stuntman, played by Ryan Gosling.
Universal secured the rights to the untitled project following a “heated” auction among studios. The screenplay will be written by Drew Pearce, whose writing credits include Iron Man 3, Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (directed by Leitch), and Hotel Artemis (his debut feature as director). Since making his directorial debut alongside Stahelski on the first John Wick, Leitch has directed the (arguably undervalued) Atomic Blonde and Deadpool 2, but the duo have a long working history in the film industry—much of which dealt with stunt work, which gives Leitch a unique and highly valuable perspective for a story like this one. And it’s probably pretty safe to assume Ryan Gosling will be performing his own stunts for the film, which sounds most excellent.
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Terrible casting. He looks nothing like Heather Thomas.
He does have a bit of a cousin Howie look though.
You joke, but the Hollywood Reporter is saying that it is actually secretly a Fall Guy movie.
I would be all over that.
does the stuntman sometimes wear a mask that covers his whole head, and not talk much, and walk around with a toothpick in his mouth?
If you liked Ryan Gosling driving in Drive, you’ll love him stunting in Stunt!
I’m looking forward to 2025 when he stars in Grip.
His male prostitute movie?** “Sploosh!” ~ Every Woman in the World
If they can’t find a legitimate stuntman with lived stunting experience to perform and stunt in this role, then Hollywood is not living up to its promise to be better.
Does this qualify as stunt casting?
Just a reminder that Richard Rush’s The Stunt Man is a good movie.