Exclusive: Ryan Gosling and David Leitch Bring “The Fall Guy” to SXSW
(L-R) Ryan Gosling is Colt Seavers and Emily Blunt is Judy Moreno in ‘The Fall Guy’
Universal Pictures
Ryan Gosling and David Leitch impress at SXSW with their latest project, “The Fall Guy”
Ryan Gosling and director David Leitch brought their new film, The Fall Guy, to the SXSW Film and TV Festival, where it received an incredibly warm response. The action rom-com, which pays homage to stunt performers, had the audience in the Paramount theater constantly applauding.
Gosling plays Colt, a stuntman who is called back into action when the star of a big studio movie directed by his ex, portrayed by Emily Blunt, suddenly disappears. Colt finds himself entangled in a murder and cover-up that go beyond his expectations and his desire to get his film made.
An opportunity to shine a light on stunt performers
Gosling expressed his appreciation for his stunt performer, Logan Holladay, who was in the audience. He spoke of a scene in the film where Holladay buckled him in for a stunt that he was about to perform and then patted him on the back for a stunt he had just completed. Gosling commented on the fact that this kind of behind-the-scenes involvement is rarely acknowledged in other films, but The Fall Guy provides a unique opportunity to honor and acknowledge the incredible contributions of stunt performers to the movie industry.
A thrilling and authentic portrayal of the world of stunts
The Fall Guy showcases Leitch’s expertise as a stuntman turned filmmaker, previously known for his work on John Wick. The movie within a movie concept allows the film to display the jaw-dropping action sequences that his stunt crew is capable of creating. From Gosling’s character being set on fire to car roll-overs, all the action scenes were created practically and provided a glimpse into the thrilling and chaotic world of creating stunts for a major action film.
Change in the recognition of stunt performers
During a presentation at the 2024 Academy Awards on the importance of stunt performers, Gosling and Blunt expressed the need for their industry to recognize these talented individuals. When asked about the potential for stunt performers to receive their own awards at the Oscars, Leitch expressed his belief in the positive change that is gradually taking place. He stated that a group of stunt people already work within the Academy and he is hopeful that their contributions will be appropriately acknowledged in the near future.
The Fall Guy, starring Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt, Winston Duke, Hannah Waddingham, and Stephanie Hsu, is set to hit theaters on May 3.
