What we know about Ryan Gosling’s new movie The Fall Guy

He might still be Barbie’s Ken to many but pretty soon Ryan Gosling will be someone completely different in The Fall Guy, the new meta-action-comedy from Deadpool 2 director David Leitch.

Loosely based on the 1981 TV series of the same name starring American action icon Lee Majors, Leitch’s reimagining of this popular action-adventure series gathers a starry cast to tell a story that celebrates Hollywood while lightly poking fun at it at the same time.

It’s also one that promises to put stuntmen and their daring day jobs firmly in the spotlight, with Gosling playing an on-set thrill seeker who’s about to have a very bad day. As a former stuntman himself, Leitch is perfectly poised to do this type of story justice and his hard work seems to have paid off, with directing legend Steven Spielberg recently hugging Gosling and telling him how much he enjoyed the movie.

What else do we know about The Fall Guy? Strap in, it’s time to find out.

When will The Fall Guy be released?

The Fall Guy is scheduled to hit cinemas in the UK on Friday, 3 May, having moved from its original release date of Friday, 1 March.

The film’s new May debut date is the same slot previously held by Deadpool and Wolverine. Leitch directed the second instalment of Ryan Reynolds’ R-rated superhero film with Shawn Levy poised to pick up where he left off for part three.

What have critics said?

There’s been no crash landing for The Fall Guy. In fact, based on these early reviews, it looks like the opposite is true, with Gosling and Blunt’s new movie pleasing critics who were treated to a sneak peek at Leitch’s comedy actioner at SXSW.

The Guardian called it a “consistently good time” and “two hours of zingers with impeccable timing, two bona fide movie stars with palpable chemistry, several enjoyably meta send-ups of the business and, of course, plenty of crazy stunts.” Deadline also had fun with Leitch’s latest, saying: “The Fall Guy excels in its self-aware storytelling and injection of humor, action and romance ensuring that its action sequences are not just visually spectacular but also grounded in relatability.”

Variety said audiences “could hardly wish for better casting,” while The Hollywood Reporter called The Fall Guy “a rare good time among big-budget studio products is its genuine heart.”

Read more reviews below.

The Guardian: Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt dazzle in delightful action comedy (4-min read)

Deadline: A Highflying Tribute To Hollywood’s Unsung Stunt Heroes – SXSW (4-min read)

Variety: Ryan Gosling Is a Lover and a (Stunt) Fighter (6-min read)

The Hollywood Reporter: Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt Sparkle in an Action-Comedy With Heart (4-min read)

Is there a trailer for The Fall Guy?

“Find Ryder, save Jody’s film, get the love of your life back…”

The Fall Guy’s elevator pitch is spelt out pretty clearly in its first official trailer. However, before it arrives, Leitch makes sure to hit home the romantic elements of his story which see Seavers come face-to-face with his director ex following an ugly split whilst on the set of her first movie.

A second, one-minute trailer debuted during the 2024 Super Bowl which confirmed that this movie has everything: romance, drama, cardio, aliens, butt slaps... even Gosling with his shirt off.

What is the plot of The Fall Guy?

In The Fall Guy, Gosling will play Colt Seavers, the same character that was brought to life by Majors in the popular 80s TV series. Seavers is a well-worn stuntman with years spent in the industry who’s still reeling from a recent on-set accident and ongoing relationship troubles.

When his ex-girlfriend-turned-first-time-director hits some trouble on the set of her debut feature, Seavers steps in to try and sort things out and perhaps save their relationship in the process - but both of these goals aren’t as easy as they seem.

As the film’s official synopsis explains, Seavers is a “stuntman, and like everyone in the stunt community, he gets blown up, shot, crashed, thrown through windows and dropped from the highest of heights, all for our 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 while still doing his day job. What could possibly go right?”

The film’s log-line goes on to hit home how The Fall Guy aims to be a “love letter” to the whole stunt community, led by “former real-life stunt man and director” Leitch who is labelling this movie his most personal film yet.

Who is in The Fall Guy cast?

Gosling will play Seavers, the stuntman at the heart of the action in The Fall Guy.

In the TV show upon which the film is based, Majors’ Seavers moonlighted as a bounty hunter, embarking on different adventures each week. Beyond Gosling’s character being forced to track down a missing actor, this element of the role does not appear to have made the jump to the big screen.

Speaking of MIA stars, Leitch’s Bullet Train collaborator Aaron Taylor-Johnson will play Tommy Ryder, the famous movie actor who disappears from the set of a new movie being helmed by newbie director - and Seavers’ ex-girlfriend - Jody Moreno, played by Oppenheimer star Emily Blunt.

Black Panther’s Winston Duke will play Seavers’ best pal, Everything Everywhere All At Once star Stephanie Hsu will play Tommy’s personal assistant and Ted Lasso’s Hannah Waddingham will play Jody’s executive producer Gail.

Hacksaw Ridge actor Teresa Palmer is also confirmed to star in an as-yet-undisclosed role with the original star of The Fall Guy, Majors, also rumoured to pop up in a cameo appearance.

The Fall Guy will be released in cinemas on Friday, 3 May