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Independent Film Company announced today it has acquired U.S. rights to The Stunt Driver, written and directed by Michael Dowse (Goon) and starring Jay Baruchel (Blackberry), Laurence Leboeuf (Shoresy), Dan Bakkedahl (Veep), Ben Foster (Hell or High Water), and Ed Helms (The Hangover).
The film is set to world premiere at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival, followed by a theatrical release on September 25.
Set in the mid-seventies, The Stunt Driver recounts the true underdog story of Canada’s Ken Carter (Jay Baruchel), the world champion stunt driver who battles personal demons and public doubt to attempt what everyone considers impossible – a mile-long jump across the St. Lawrence River in a rocket car.
Michael Dowse is an award-winning writer and director who recently directed the feature Trap House starring Dave Bautista, Bobby Cannavale, and Inde Navarrette, produced by Ridley Scott. On the television front, he helmed the Amazon series The Sticky, starring Jamie Lee Curtis and produced by Jason Blum.
Michael’s previous film credits include the romantic comedy The F Word (also known as What If), starring Daniel Radcliffe, Zoe Kazan, and Adam Driver, and the cult hockey comedy Goon, featuring Seann William Scott, Liev Schreiber, and Jay Baruchel. The Stunt Driver marks his eleventh feature film.
“What captivated me wasn’t simply the spectacle of Ken Carter’s legendary jump, but the humanity behind it,” said writer-director Michael Dowse. “He was a dreamer who refused to let the world define what was possible. I wanted to make a film that celebrates that spirit – the optimism, resilience, and relentless pursuit of an impossible dream. At its heart, The Stunt Driver is about the people who dare to risk everything.”
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Michael Dowse to bring the incredible true story of stunt driver Ken Carter to the big screen,” said Ayo Kepher Maat, Vice President of Acquisitions and Productions at Independent Film Company. “Jay Baruchel delivers an unforgettable performance, joined by a remarkable cast including Ed Helms and Ben Foster. We can’t wait to share this wildly entertaining and richly human film with US audiences this fall.”
The film is produced by Jennifer Wilson and Michael Dowse for Film Cardinal, and executive produced by Baruchel, Joe Iacono, Dave Bishop and James Pugh for Protagonist Pictures, Lisa Wolofsky, Andrew Frank for Mongrel Media, and Cameron MacLaren. Ayo Kepher Maat negotiated the deal on behalf of Independent Film Company with UTA on behalf of the filmmakers.
The post The Stunt Driver Acquired by Independent Film Company appeared first on Vital Thrills.
