The Stunt Driver (2026): Cast, Story and Release Details

Prepared by Movies Dock Editorial

The Stunt Driver dramatizes Montreal daredevil Ken Carter’s attempt to jump the Saint Lawrence River in a rocket car. Set in the mid-1970s, the film follows his pursuit of one final spectacular stunt, a major payday and lasting fame, with Jay Baruchel in the lead role.

The Stunt Driver is a 2026 action comedy-drama based on the true story of Montreal stunt driver Ken Carter. During the mid-1970s, Carter set his sights on an extraordinary final feat: crossing the Saint Lawrence River in a rocket-powered car.

Directed and written by Michael Dowse, the film stars Jay Baruchel as Carter, alongside Ed Helms, Ben Foster and Laurence Leboeuf. Its story combines daredevil ambition with the business and publicity surrounding an attempt of unprecedented scale.

The Stunt Driver movie details

Story without spoilers

Ken Carter has spent 30 years as a stunt driver and hopes to close that chapter of his career with a jump that could bring him a substantial paycheck and widespread fame. To make the plan possible, he brings in a sports manager and recruits specialists in rocket-car design.

The stunt also attracts the attention of the National Film Board of Canada, which documents the preparations leading up to the event. Set against the world of 1970s daredevil entertainment, the film follows Carter’s effort to turn an audacious idea into reality without revealing the outcome.

What to expect

The film is positioned as a blend of action, comedy and drama, with its central appeal rooted in a real-life daredevil challenge. Viewers can expect a period-set story about risk, ambition, publicity and the practical work behind a record-seeking stunt. The rocket-car premise provides the film’s defining spectacle, while the supporting characters reflect Carter’s professional and personal orbit.

Cast and creative team

Jay Baruchel plays Ken Carter, the Montreal stunt driver at the center of the story. Ed Helms portrays Dick Keller, while Ben Foster appears as Evel Knievel and Laurence Leboeuf plays Gloria. Dan Bakkedahl, Joe Cobden and Marc Beaupré are also part of the cast.

Michael Dowse serves as both director and writer, shaping the film’s account of Carter’s proposed Saint Lawrence River jump.

• Jay Baruchel as Ken Carter
• Ed Helms as Dick Keller
• Ben Foster as Evel Knievel
• Laurence Leboeuf as Gloria
• Dan Bakkedahl
• Joe Cobden
• Marc Beaupré

Release and production context

The Stunt Driver is listed as a 2026 production from Canada and the United Kingdom, with English as its spoken language. It has a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes and is scheduled for release on September 25, 2026. The production companies are Film Cardinal and Protagonist Pictures.

Production companies: Film Cardinal, Protagonist Pictures

The Stunt Driver official trailer

Watch the official trailer on YouTube

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With its true-story foundation and unusual rocket-car premise, The Stunt Driver centers on a specific chapter in the history of daredevil spectacle. The film’s period setting, Canadian perspective and ensemble cast distinguish it as a character-led action comedy-drama built around one exceptionally ambitious stunt.

Film data:
TMDB · IMDb