Renowned actor Jay Baruchel is teaming up once again with acclaimed Goon director Michael Dowse to create an exciting new comedy centered on the legendary Canadian stuntman Ken Carter, known for his audacious feats and daring personality.

Reflecting on the golden age of daredevils, I recall icons like Evil Knievel and Super Dave Osborne, whose thrilling stunts captivated audiences and showcased incredible risk-taking. While I never aspired to be a daredevil, I developed a deep respect for their fearless spirit. Likewise, Jay Baruchel shares this admiration for thrill-seekers and is reuniting with Michael Dowse for the new film The Stunt Driver, which promises to be a humorous yet poignant portrayal of the life of daring stuntman Ken Carter.

According to Deadline, The Stunt Driver tells the exhilarating story of “The Mad Canadian” Ken Carter, who takes on the challenge of executing the most audacious stunt of his life in the 1970s. His goal is to launch a rocket car off a perilous 90-foot ramp, aiming to soar across the St. Lawrence River. This ambitious stunt involves an extraordinary leap from Canada into the United States, covering over a mile. The film will chronicle Carter’s relentless pursuit of this seemingly impossible dream, highlighting not only his meticulous preparations but also the outrageous obstacles he encounters along the way.

The creative vision behind The Stunt Driver draws inspiration from the acclaimed National Film Board of Canada’s 1981 documentary The Devil at Your Heels, which vividly captured Ken Carter’s life and stunts. Filming is set to commence in vibrant Montreal in the upcoming spring, promising to deliver a rich tapestry of laughter and drama intertwined with the spirit of adventure.

Michael Dowse expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Ken Carter’s story speaks to anyone who has dreamed the impossible and been kicked in the teeth trying to achieve it. I couldn’t be more excited to work with my old friend Jay. Jay brings the perfect combination of comedy, belying great dramatic tension to this complex showman,” highlighting the unique blend of humor and depth that Baruchel is expected to bring to the character.

Recently, Jay Baruchel portrayed Ken Carter in Nick Santora’s action-packed comedy series Fubar, which stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as a C.I.A. operative. The series follows the operative’s tumultuous journey as he uncovers family secrets and is drawn back into the field for one last mission. Additionally, Baruchel’s work is wrapping up for Chandler Levack’s romantic comedy Mile End Kicks, which explores the life of a 24-year-old music critic navigating love and ambition within Montreal’s indie music scene in 2011.

If you’re curious about Ken Carter’s incredible stunt work, you can find footage of his final stunt on YouTube, although I must caution you that it can be quite unsettling. As production for The Stunt Driver approaches, it’s clear that Michael Dowse and Jay Baruchel have ambitious plans for this project, and audiences are eager to see how this captivating story unfolds on screen.

Discover More About the Author’s Background and Expertise

Steve Seigh, originally from New York and now residing in Canada, has been a prominent editor, columnist, and critic for JoBlo.com since 2012. He began his journey with the column Ink & Pixel, which celebrated the enchanting evolution of animation, and later launched the accompanying YouTube series Animation Movies Revisited. Additionally, he is the engaging host of the Talking Comics Podcast, where he discusses the latest in comic books, film, music, and various pop culture phenomena. Known for his distinctive style, you’ll often find him immersed in music while enjoying a stack of pancakes.