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Independent Film Company Acquires Comedy ‘The Stunt Driver’ Starring Jay Baruchel As Canadian Daredevil Ken Carter Ahead Of TIFF Premiere
Independent Film Company has acquired The Stunt Driver, a comedy starring Jay Baruchel as Canadian daredevil Ken Carter, ahead of its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. The deal secures US theatrical distribution for the film, which is set for release on 25 September, and reunites Baruchel with writer-director Michael Dowse following their earlier collaboration on the hockey comedy Goon.
The film dramatises the true story of stunt driver Ken Carter's attempt, in the mid-1970s, to jump a mile across the St Lawrence River in a rocket car, despite personal struggles and public scepticism. The cast also includes Ben Foster as fellow daredevil Evel Knievel, alongside Laurence Leboeuf, Dan Bakkedahl and Ed Helms. Independent Film Company's Ayo Kepher Maat negotiated the acquisition with talent agency UTA on behalf of the filmmakers, with the project produced by Jennifer Wilson and Dowse for Film Cardinal.
In short
- Independent Film Company buys Jay Baruchel comedy The Stunt Driver before TIFF premiere
- Film dramatises Ken Carter's real-life 1970s rocket car river jump
- US theatrical release set for 25 September; Ben Foster plays Evel Knievel
Explained simply
The Stunt Driver is a comedy based on the true story of Canadian daredevil Ken Carter and his 1970s attempt to jump a mile across the St Lawrence River in a rocket car. The film explores his personal struggles and the public doubts he faced in pursuing this extraordinarily risky stunt.
Jay Baruchel plays Ken Carter, with Ben Foster as fellow stunt legend Evel Knievel and a cast including Laurence Leboeuf, Dan Bakkedahl and Ed Helms. Director Michael Dowse previously worked with Baruchel on the ice hockey comedy Goon.
The film will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival before its cinema release. Ken Carter's 1970s stunt attempt represents a notable chapter in North American daredevil history that continues to captivate audiences and filmmakers interested in tales of personal ambition and risk.
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