David Leitch to direct Ryan Gosling in untitled stuntman drama

Recently at the close of a very competitive auction, Universal Pictures emerged as the winner of an untitled stuntman drama that has David Leitch (Atomic Blonde, Hobbs & Shaw) set to direct and Ryan Gosling taking point as the project's lead actor. Drew Pearce, who penned Universal and Leitch's Fast and Furious spin-off Hobbs & Shaw, is locked and loaded as the writer of the forthcoming feature. Universal reportedly sealed the deal by offering up a seven-figure sum.

Word has it that several other studios were looking to land the package including Netflix, Paramount, and MGM. However, Leitch has a first-look deal with Universal, and so naturally, the studio is looking to deliver another box office barn burner with the in-demand director. In addition to his starring role, Gosling will produce with Leitch and his 87North partner Kelly McCormick, as well as Guymon Casady of Entertainment 360.

While details are scarce at this time, the project is said to be akin to the ’80s TV series The Fall Guy, though it might not be an outright adaptation. Be that as it may, the pic is a very personal one for Leitch, who is a former stuntman himself. My guess is that he'll be pouring a lot of himself into this one, with plans to make the action bits as impressive as possible.

For the moment, Leitch is hard at work while prepping Sony's action film BULLET TRAIN starring Brad Pitt, Joey King, and Andrew Koji. The film focuses on five assassins aboard a fast-moving bullet train who find out their missions have something in common. COVID-19 has delayed production for most films, so there's no telling when the movie will pull into the proverbial station.