Canada's Knievel gets his due in the warmhearted comedy The Stunt Driver

In a time when U.S.-Canadian relations have hit lows not seen since the War of 1812, the upcoming comedy The Stunt Driver breathes new life into the rivalry between stuntmen Evel Knievel and Ken Carter. Directed by Michael Dowse and written by Dowse himself, this film offers a comedic biopic inspired by the true story of Carter, known as "The Mad Canadian."

The film follows Carter’s relentless pursuit to best Knievel’s failed river jump by soaring a custom-built rocket car over the St. Lawrence River from Canada to the U.S. Despite the skepticism of those around him, including his wife Gloria and racing rival Dick Keller, Carter is determined to outdo his rival and achieve what most considered impossible.

The movie stars Jay Baruchel as Carter, portraying a tall, hardheaded man with a penchant for death-defying stunts and an outdated sense of masculinity. As he relentlessly pursues his dream, Carter is confronted with the fear that the stunt might go wrong, a fear he has never experienced before. Ben Foster plays Carter’s nemesis, Evel Knievel, a similarly grizzled stuntman with a hot-tempered and childish demeanor.

The film’s comedic tone is reminiscent of Dowse’s 2011 hockey comedy Goon, with a cheeky sense of humor about sports culture and Canadian manhood.

Despite the occasional blockheaded statements, Carter’s innocence and vulnerability make him endearing to those around him. His team, led by the reluctant Dick Keller, works tirelessly to make the dangerous jump as safe as possible. Dowse effectively captures the camaraderie between these jocks, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in the face of danger.

The film weaves together real-life footage from Robert Fortier’s 1981 documentary The Devil At Your Heels, providing an immersive experience of Carter’s many failed attempts at the impossible jump. Joe Cobden, who played Fortier in the documentary, also appears in the film, lending authenticity to the story.

Baruchel’s portrayal of Carter is heartfelt and nuanced, going beyond the typical strong-man act to understand the reasons behind a man’s willingness to risk life and limb regularly. Knievel is also depicted as a gruff and childish rival, with a similar background and penchant for defying death. The film’s straightforward comedy balances absurdity with a touch of sentimentality, providing a surprisingly soft side to the larger-than-life egos of these stuntmen.

While the momentum occasionally stalls out, the film achieves its goal of showcasing the misfit macho act in a surprisingly emotional and engaging way. The Stunt Driver is set to release on September 25, 2026.