On the eve of the American Film Market, Protagonist Pictures has boarded Jay Baruchel’s highly anticipated biopic The Stunt Driver to handle international sales and has unveiled an exclusive first-look image for buyers, announced the company’s CEO Dave Bishop.
The comedic and heartfelt true story is written and directed by Michael Dowse (Stuber, Goon) and is currently in post-production.
The film stars Jay Baruchel (This Is the End, BlackBerry), Ed Helms (The Office, The Hangover), Ben Foster (Hell or High Water, Leave No Trace), Laurence Leboeuf (Shoresy, Transplant), and Dan Bakkedahl (Veep, Life in Pieces).
Based on the astonishing true story of Canadian daredevil Ken Carter (played by Baruchel), The Stunt Driver follows a fearless showman determined to make history by attempting to jump a rocket-powered car across the mile-wide St. Lawrence Seaway—from Canada into the U.S. Facing self-doubt, public ridicule, and fierce competition from rival stuntmen, Carter’s quest to leave a legacy becomes a wild, funny, and deeply human journey.
“The Stunt Driver is a heartfelt, laugh-through-the-tears journey — a larger-than-life true story told with Michael Dowse’s trademark warmth, wit, and charm,” said Dave Bishop of Protagonist Pictures. “With this stellar cast, the film captures both the joy and humanity behind the spectacle, and we’re thrilled to share it with audiences around the world.”
“I’m thrilled to be partnering with Protagonist to bring The Stunt Driver into the world,” added Michael Dowse. “Ken Carter’s story will resonate with anyone who’s faced long odds and been knocked down for trying. He’s an inspiring, hilarious underdog — and there’s a little bit of Carter in all of us.”
The film is produced by Jennifer Wilson (FUBAR: Balls to the Wall) under Film Cardinal, her production banner with Dowse. Baruchel serves as executive producer alongside Andrew Frank of Mongrel Media, with Joe Iacono and Lisa Wolofsky also executive producing. Financing comes from Telefilm Canada and SODEC, with UTA Independent Film Group handling U.S. rights.
Dowse is represented by UTA and Fourth Wall Management; Baruchel by CAA and Thruline Entertainment; Foster by Range Media Partners and Felker Toczek Suddleson McGinnis Ryan LLP; Helms by UTA; Leboeuf by K.L. Benzakein Talent and Gilbertson Entertainment; and Bakkedahl by Authentic Talent & Literary Management and Gersh Agency.
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