The Fall Guy’s Box Office Confirms A Harsh Reality After $2.4 Billion Phenomenon

“The Fall Guy” has etched its name into cinematic history by setting a new Guinness World Record for the most car rolls in a stunt for a feature film. Starring Ryan Gosling, this film marks his much-anticipated return following the record-breaking success of “Barbie,” 2023’s highest-grossing movie. Directed by David Leitch, “The Fall Guy” is an homage to Hollywood stunt performers, blending romantic and action comedy with behind-the-scenes glimpses of movie magic. Ryan Gosling leads a stellar cast that includes Emily Blunt, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Hannah Waddingham, and Winston Duke.

Despite receiving positive critical acclaim, “The Fall Guy” underperformed at the box office, earning less than $28 million during its opening weekend and totaling $180 million worldwide against a production budget of $125 million. Although technically a box office disappointment, it still ranks among the top 20 highest-grossing films of 2024 as of this writing, outperforming “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” and “The Beekeeper.” The film also criticized the Oscars for excluding stunt workers, calling for an official Stunts category to be introduced at the Academy Awards.

The extended version of “The Fall Guy” is currently available for streaming exclusively on Peacock.

Notably, “The Fall Guy” broke the Guinness World Record for the most car rolls in a stunt. The remarkable feat, an 8-and-a-half cannon roll with a Jeep, was masterfully executed by stuntman Logan Holladay. Although Gosling’s character, Colt Seavers, is depicted performing the stunt in the movie, it was Holladay who brought this jaw-dropping scene to life. Holladay, who also served as Gosling’s stunt double, boasts an impressive resume that includes “Inception,” “Nightcrawler,” “Logan,” and “Bad Boys for Life.”

Director David Leitch approached the stunts in “The Fall Guy” with a clear vision to honor his roots as a former stunt performer. According to NBC, Leitch aimed to deliver action sequences that resonate with the spirit of the stunt community, using techniques that are considered somewhat of a lost art. The cannon roll stunt was a deliberate choice to pay tribute to classic stunts and to make a bold statement. Logan Holladay’s flawless execution not only achieved but exceeded expectations, showcasing his exceptional skills within the stunt community.

The previous record for most car rolls in a stunt was held by Adam Kirley in the 2006 James Bond film “Casino Royale,” which featured seven rolls. This record stood unchallenged for 18 years until it was surpassed by “The Fall Guy” in May 2024. Kirley’s other notable works include “The Bourne Ultimatum,” “X-Men: First Class,” “Kingsman: The Secret Service,” and “Jurassic World Dominion.” The new record set by Leitch, Holladay, and the production crew of “The Fall Guy” not only broke but significantly raised the bar, making it a formidable challenge for future films.

Originally written into the script as a joke by Leitch to elicit reactions from the stunt team, the idea of breaking the world record was embraced and brought to fruition after rigorous testing. Stunt designer Chris O’Hara and his team worked tirelessly to make this historic achievement possible.

Emily Blunt’s return for a sequel to her $326 million movie comes at a perfect time following the release of “The Fall Guy,” adding another layer of excitement for fans.

The record-breaking car roll stunt happens around the 21-minute mark in “The Fall Guy’s” extended cut on Peacock. This scene not only sets a high bar for cinematic stunts but also serves as a pivotal moment for Gosling’s character Colt Seavers, offering him a chance to rekindle his relationship with Jody Moreno after their complicated past.

“The Fall Guy” is an action thriller directed by David Leitch, known for his work on “Bullet Train” and “Deadpool 2.” The story follows stuntman Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling) as he embarks on a quest to find a missing movie star, uncover a conspiracy, and mend his relationship with the love of his life. Written by Drew Pearce and inspired by the 1980s TV series of the same name, this film delivers a mix of action, drama, and romance that is both thrilling and heartfelt.

Directed by David Leitch and written by Glen A. Larson and Drew Pearce, “The Fall Guy” features a cast including Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Stephanie Hsu, Winston Duke, Hannah Waddingham, and Teresa Palmer. With a runtime of 126 minutes, this action-packed film from Universal Pictures is a must-watch for fans of both high-octane stunts and compelling storytelling.