Key Takeaways:
* The Fall Guy, starring Ryan Gosling, includes a scene achieving the highest number of consecutive cannon rolls in a stunt.
* Logan Holladay, Ryan Gosling’s stuntman, performed eight and a half cannon rolls, breaking a nearly two-decade-old Guinness World Record.
* The Fall Guy is a tribute to the stunt community, directed by action veteran David Leitch.
* Gosling emphasised the pivotal role stunt professionals play in filmmaking, calling attention to the lack of recognition for the stunt industry at the Oscars.
Setting New Limits in Action Cinema
In a spectacular display of cinematic action, Universal Pictures, in association with 87North, recently unveiled a record-breaking stunt from their new blockbuster, The Fall Guy. The film challenges traditional boundaries, integrating a scene where lead character Colt Seavers, played by Ryan Gosling, participates in the highest number of consecutive cannon rolls performed in a stunt.
A Glimpse of the Groundbreaking Stunt
In an amazing sequence, Logan Holladay, Ryan Gosling’s stunt double, surpassed the existing record set by Adam Kirley during the filming of Casino Royale, executing eight and a half cannon rolls while driving a modified Jeep Grand Cherokee. A cannon roll, a tenebrous manoeuvre, involves propelling a car into a series of flips resulting from an explosion beneath as it moves.
Celebrating the Stunt Community
Inspired by the iconic 80s television series, The Fall Guy honours the unsung heroes of the stunt community. The film, directed by action veteran David Leitch, captures the audience with striking sequences and enthralling storytelling. Leitch, known for adrenaline-fueled movies like Bullet Train, Deadpool 2 and Atomic Blonde, promises an extraordinary experience with The Fall Guy.
The Role of Stunt Professionals in Films
In The Fall Guy, Gosling portrays Colt Seavers, a former stunt double who returns to action at the behest of his ex. The plot showcases a stuntman taking center stage, underlining the indispensable role they play in cinema. Speaking at a special screening in Los Angeles, Gosling shared moments that highlighted Holladay’s triumph.
A Pursuit of Recognition for the Stunt Industry
Discussing the portrayal of stunts in Hollywood during the film’s premiere at SXSW, director David Leitch said, “We want to celebrate stunts—This profession that we’re celebrating in the movie.” Gosling, agreeing with Leitch, stressed the importance of recognizing the contribution of stunt performers to films. The Fall Guy, they hope, will cast light on the dedication of the stunts community to every film they work on, raising awareness around the lack of recognition of the stunt industry in awards like the Oscars.
While the inclusion of a new category for Best Casting Director to the Oscars has recently been announced, there are still no categories dedicated to recognizing the efforts of stuntmen.
Set to release on May 3, The Fall Guy brings an electrifying narrative to the big screen, packed with record-breaking stunts and a recognition of the stunt community’s tireless efforts in the cinema industry. With a new Guinness World Record under its belt, the film sets a new standard in action cinema.
