Hollywood has produced a surprising number of classic movies that were inspired by TV series, with some of the most successful examples being of the action variety – such as 1993’s THE FUGITIVE and the much funnier 21 JUMP STREET from 2012 and its 2014 sequel, 22 JUMP STREET. It looks like THE FALL GUY is setting out to be the next great theatrically-released action movie to be adapted from television.
Set to be released by Universal Studios into AMC Theatres on March 1, 2024 – according to Collider – the film follows a washed-up Hollywood stunt performer doubling for a movie star who suddenly goes missing, forcing him to use his skills in completing death-defying taks for a greater purpose. If that sounds like a fun time at the movies, just wait until you see who is set to appear in the cast, which director is at the helm, and get other important information to know about THE FALL GUY in our guide below.
Ryan Gosling Plays Colt
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the actor set to play the titular hero of THE FALL GUY, named Colt, is Ryan Gosling. Interestingly, the role that first solidified the two-time Academy AwardⓇ nominee (for 2006’s HALF NELSON and 2016’s LA LA LAND) as an action star was also a Hollywood stuntman, which he played in Nicolas Winding Refn’s 2011 Neo-noir thriller, DRIVE.
The Canadian-born heartthrob has leaned further into his action hero status lately by starring in movies like Denis Villenueve’s high-concept sci-fi sequel, BLADE RUNNER 2049, and the Russo Brothers’ Netflix original spy thriller, THE GRAY MAN, which already has a sequel in the works. However, fans of Gosling’s softer side also have his role as Ken in Greta Gerwig’s BARBIE movie to look forward to.
Based On An ’80s TV Show
As we mentioned at the top, THE FALL GUY is a feature-length adaptation of a TV show with the same name that also follows the action-packed adventures of a Hollywood stuntman. Lee Majors – who had already garnered a fantastic TV hero reputation from playing the title role of “The Six Million Dollar Man” – starred on the series from 1981 to 1986 as the original Colt Seavers, who moonlights as a bounty hunter to make ends meet in addition to his gigs on movie sets.
The series was created by Glen A. Larson, who was also a writer for “The Six Million Dollar Man” before he became known as the mastermind behind other classic TV shows like “Battlestar Galactica,” “Magnum P.I.,” and “Knight Rider,” to name just a few. Larson also serves as an executive producer for the upcoming movie, alongside fellow EPs Drew Pearce (who also penned the screenplay) and Geoff Shaevitz.
Emily Blunt Stars
Joining Ryan Gosling in the cast – according to Deadline – is Golden Globe winner Emily Blunt, who is no stranger to action movie roles – having mentored Tom Cruise to save Earth from time-looping alien invaders in EDGE OF TOMORROW. Aaron Taylor-Johnson (also about to appear in his third comic book movie role as the title character of KRAVEN THE HUNTER) plays – as THR describes – the movie star Colt doubles for and later must save.
Also according to THR, Academy Award nominated EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE star Stephanie Hsu is starring as the assistant to Taylor-Johnson’s character and BLACK PANTHER’s Winston Duke plays Colt’s best friend. The producer of the film-within-a-film that Colt was hired to perform stunts for is played by Emmy-winning “Ted Lasso” star Hannah Waddingham and Deadline reported that Australian actor Teresa Palmer, of WARM BODIES and LIGHTS OUT fame, is also set to appear in a currently undisclosed role.
David Leitch Directs
There might not have been a better choice to direct THE FALL GUY than David Leitch – not just because he knows how to put a fun action movie together, but also because he can say he has walked in Colt’s shoes before… sans the bounty hunter stuff. Before he became one of the top action filmmakers of his time, he made a living as a Hollywood stunt performer and coordinator for such notable titles as THE MATRIX movies, the JASON BOURNE series, and more.
Everything changed when he and and his longtime collaborator teamed up to direct the original JOHN WICK in 2014, leading him to go solo as the helmer of modern action-packed favorites like 2017’s ATOMIC BLONDE, 2018’s DEADPOOL 2, and, most recently, BULLET TRAIN in 2022. In addition to directing THE FALL GUY, Leitch also shares a producing credit with his partner at 87North, Kelly McCormick, as well as Entertainment 360’s Guymon Casady and the film’s star, Gosling.
With one of the original creators of JOHN WICK at the helm and one of the A-list’s most acclaimed actors in the lead, THE FALL GUY sounds like one of the hottest tickets that 2024 will have to offer. If this action film sounds like something you are destined to fall for, be sure to check it out once it comes to an AMC Theatres location near you!
