Know the stunts and the people behind them in ‘The Fall Guy’

In every action film, the pulse-pounding sequences are a testament to the dedication and talent of the stunt team.

For “The Fall Guy,” it was pivotal for director David Leitch (who used to be a stunt performer himself) and producer Kelly McCormick to assemble a core group of skilled individuals to meet the unique challenges posed by the film. From intense fights to intricate rigging, daring high falls to water and fire stunts, the film spans the entire spectrum of stunt disciplines.

To ensure excellence in each area, the filmmakers enlisted the best in the business, including Chris O’Hara, who, like Leitch, is a well-known figure in the stunt industry. To give proper credit to O’Hara’s invaluable contribution to the film, O’Hara, usually given the credit of stunt coordinator, received the industry’s first-ever film credit of “Stunt Designer.”

The new credit accurately reflects the high-level artistic contribution of world-class stunt coordinators like O’Hara. These are artists who do more than coordinate the logistics of stunts; they design and create them.

“Stunt Designers are the creative architects behind fight scenes, high falls, and more, and deserve to be recognized for the creative leadership of their contributions,” Leitch says. “Universal’s decision to allow Kelly and me to add ‘Stunt Designer’ to Chris’ credit on ‘The Fall Guy’ marks a groundbreaking move for a major studio. We hope this will pave the way for the stunts industry to get the recognition it deserves."

“If widely utilized, it may lead to greater overall recognition of the artistic contributions the stunt community provides our industry,” adds McCormick.

Another member of the stunt team is part-Filipino fight coordinator Jojo Eusebio, whose impressive credits include “John Wick” and “Black Panther.”

“I’ve always looked up to Dave Leitch and Chris O’Hara as mentors, having seen them evolve from stunt performers to second unit directors and now Dave directing major film productions,” Eusebio says. “Working on this film for the last portion of its production was an absolute honor. Being part of projects with talented crews and leaving a lasting legacy is what matters most. As long as you’re contributing to something exceptional, it’s all worth it.”

THE STUNTS

The Cannon Roll

half rolls, achieving the groundbreaking feat on the beach, which was notably on flat ground. This achievement surpassed the previous record held by stuntman Adam Kirley, who achieved seven cannon rolls during the filming of "Casino Royale" in 2006.

Operating at a speed of 80mph with the cannon packing 900 psi, the filmmakers opted for a Jeep Grand Cherokee due to its equal width and height, providing a cylindrical shape ideal for rolling. Crews worked tirelessly for hours compacting the sand to get it as firm as possible to achieve the speeds required for the stunt.

The Alma/Colt Chase Sequence

The Alma/Colt chase sequence involved teamwork and innovation, featuring a thrilling scene on the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. While a scene like this would normally be done with blue screen, the team decided to film the scene entirely practically. Ryan Gosling’s direct involvement added authenticity to the action, and the team opted for in-camera shots with a garbage truck dragging Gosling on a spinning bin through the streets of Sydney.

Fifty stunt drivers were used for this scene, so ensuring the safety of everyone involved while maintaining precision in resetting to the starting point was crucial.

The 225-Foot Car Jump

One of the most jaw-dropping moments in “The Fall Guy” involves a 225-plus-foot car jump. The jump was performed by seasoned stunt driver Logan Holladay in a specially designed vehicle, crafted for practical, in-camera authenticity that could handle such an extreme leap. This extraordinary stunt stands as a testament to the film’s commitment to delivering genuine, practical stunts that defy the norms of modern CGI-dominated filmmaking.

At the apex of the jump, the truck was close to 80 feet in the air. The vehicle reached a speed of 72 mph during the jump.

The Boat Jump

The boat achieved an impressive 80-foot jump. The ramp used for the jump measured approximately four feet high and 24 feet long.

Gosling obtained his boating license in New South Wales to ensure readiness for any unforeseen needs during filming.

The High Fall From Helicopter

The high-fall stunt in “The Fall Guy” was executed by stunt performer Troy Brown, carrying on the legacy of his father, Bob Brown, a high-fall expert. Troy Brown broke his own personal record for the longest high fall, achieving an astounding 150 feet during the filming of this movie.

Acquiring airbags rated for such heights is rare, but essential for safety. The production team procured this specific bag for the monumental high fall scene in “The Fall Guy.” The dimensions of the bag were 25 feet by 50 feet.

In “The Fall Guy,” Gosling plays Colt Seavers, who, like everyone in the stunt community, gets blown up, shot, crashed, thrown through windows and dropped from the highest of heights, all for people’s entertainment. And now, fresh off an almost career-ending accident, this working-class hero has to track down a missing movie star, solve a conspiracy and try to win back the love of his life (Emily Blunt) while still doing his day job.

Find out why everyone’s falling in love with “The Fall Guy”, opening today, May 1, in Philippine cinemas.