The Fall Guy (2024)

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2024 American Action Comedy Film

Directed by: David Leitch
Written by: Drew Pearce
Based on: The Fall Guy (1980s TV series created by Glen A. Larson)
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Hannah Waddingham, Stephanie Hsu, Winston Duke
Cinematography: Jonathan Sela
Music by: Dominic Lewis
Production Companies: 87North Productions, Entertainment 360
Distributed by: Universal Pictures
Release Date: May 3, 2024 (USA)
Running Time: 126 minutes
Language: English
Budget: Approx. $130 million
Box Office: $180 million+ (early release numbers)

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Overview

The Fall Guy is a 2024 action-comedy film that serves as a modern reimagining of the cult-classic 1980s TV show of the same name. Directed by David Leitch, known for hits like John Wick and Bullet Train, the film stars Ryan Gosling as a veteran Hollywood stuntman who gets dragged into a high-stakes mystery surrounding a missing actor.

With its blend of high-octane action, meta-Hollywood humor, and heartfelt romance, The Fall Guy has quickly become one of 2024’s most talked-about action blockbusters.

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Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)

Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling) is a seasoned stuntman who has taken a break from the industry after a near-death accident on set. Struggling with past trauma and a breakup with film director Jody Moreno (Emily Blunt), Colt is drawn back into the business when a major star disappears from Jody’s sci-fi blockbuster movie.

What starts as a favor to help an old flame soon escalates into a web of crime, deception, and conspiracy, as Colt finds himself in real danger—with no CGI or stunt doubles to back him up. From speeding cars to shootouts and hilarious mishaps, Colt must survive the chaos of Hollywood to uncover the truth.

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Cast and Performances

• Ryan Gosling as Colt Seavers
  Gosling delivers a charismatic, funny, and surprisingly emotional performance as the rugged stuntman. His comedic timing and action chops are on full display.

• Emily Blunt as Jody Moreno
  Blunt brings depth and energy to her role as a rising director juggling her ambitions, romantic history, and the unraveling mystery.

• Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Tom Ryder
  The movie's fictional movie star and the catalyst for the central mystery, Johnson plays the role with arrogance and charm.

• Hannah Waddingham as the studio executive
  A scene-stealer, Waddingham adds flair and sarcasm, echoing Hollywood’s behind-the-scenes politics.

• Stephanie Hsu and Winston Duke in supporting roles bring both comic relief and emotional resonance.

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Themes and Analysis

The Unsung Heroes of Hollywood

The Fall Guy pays homage to the stunt community—those who risk their lives behind the scenes without receiving on-screen credit. The film highlights their bravery, creativity, and commitment.

Love and Redemption

At its heart, the movie is a love story between Colt and Jody, with themes of forgiveness, trust, and second chances.

Satirical Look at the Film Industry

With biting humor, the film takes jabs at the absurdities of big-budget filmmaking, celebrity culture, and studio politics.

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Action and Cinematography

As expected from director David Leitch—himself a former stuntman—The Fall Guy features top-tier practical stunts. Explosions, car chases, hand-to-hand combat, and even horse chases are done with visceral realism.

Cinematographer Jonathan Sela captures both the bright glitz of LA and the gritty physicality of the stunt work. The editing and camera movement make the action clear, stylish, and immersive.

Standout sequences include:

• A high-speed chase across a canyon edge
• A fight on a movie set where props become deadly weapons
• A humorous yet dangerous underwater scene involving a shark animatronic

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Soundtrack and Score

Dominic Lewis delivers an energetic and versatile score, mixing rock, orchestral moments, and synth to match the film’s varied tones. Pop songs and classic rock tracks also pepper the soundtrack, complementing the movie’s nostalgic vibe.

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Direction and Screenplay

David Leitch balances humor, action, and romance with finesse. His background in stunt work brings authenticity to every action scene, while Drew Pearce’s screenplay delivers sharp, witty dialogue that feels both modern and affectionate toward the genre.

The pacing is fast but well-managed, with quieter emotional beats offering breathing room between explosive sequences.

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Reception

Critics and audiences alike have embraced The Fall Guy for its fresh spin on the action genre. Early Rotten Tomatoes scores show a 91% critic rating and a 95% audience score, with praise focusing on its practical effects, chemistry between the leads, and clever meta-humor.

Some critics have compared it to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood meets Mission: Impossible, but with a lighter, more comedic touch.

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Box Office Performance

Released in early May 2024, the film debuted at #1 in the global box office, earning over $180 million in its opening week. Analysts predict a strong run through the summer, especially due to positive word-of-mouth and repeat viewing.

The film has been particularly successful in IMAX and premium large-format theaters thanks to its stunt-driven spectacle.

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Legacy and Impact

The Fall Guy is being praised as a “love letter to the stunt profession” and has sparked renewed conversations about adding a stunt category to the Oscars. Hollywood insiders have lauded the film for spotlighting an underappreciated segment of the industry.

There are already rumors of a sequel or potential spin-off series, especially if the film crosses the $500 million mark globally.

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Conclusion

The Fall Guy (2024) is an exhilarating blend of action, heart, and Hollywood satire. With Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt’s undeniable chemistry, jaw-dropping stunts, and a self-aware script, it delivers both thrills and laughs.

It stands out as one of the most entertaining and rewatchable films of the year and offers something fresh amid a sea of CGI-heavy blockbusters. Whether you're a fan of action, romance, or behind-the-scenes movie magic, The Fall Guy is a must-watch.

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