Director Michael Dowse Discusses the Filming of 'The Stunt Driver,' Starring Jay Baruchel
Michael Dowse's film "The Stunt Driver" brings to life the remarkable tale of Canadian daredevil Ken Carter and his ambition to cross the St. Lawrence River in a rocket-powered vehicle. Starring Jay Baruchel, the film delves into Carter's colorful personality and the intense preparations for his legendary stunt. Dowse drew inspiration from a 1981 documentary, augmenting the narrative with newly discovered archival audio and a carefully constructed cast and set pieces, including a custom-built rocket car and an imposing ramp.
Details of the Production: Crafting a Daredevil's Legacy
On September 11, 2026, Michael Dowse's "The Stunt Driver" premiered globally at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film showcases Jay Baruchel as the audacious 1970s Canadian stuntman, Ken Carter, who famously attempted a mile-long jump over the St. Lawrence River in a rocket car. Dowse, a veteran of five Toronto premieres, including "Goon" also starring Baruchel, first encountered Carter's story through Bob Fortier’s 1981 National Film Board of Canada documentary, "The Devil at Your Heels." This cult classic, especially popular in Australia, detailed Carter’s preparations for the extraordinary feat.
Dowse expressed his fascination with the story's inherent drama, comparing its complexities to a Shakespearean play, fueled by a compelling central figure. He highlighted Carter's peculiar contradictions—a stunt driver without a license, afraid of water yet attempting to jump a river, and a man who routinely broke bones but genuinely feared his ultimate stunt. The film amplifies the rivalry between Carter and American daredevil Evel Knievel, portrayed by Ben Foster, adding a dramatic layer to Carter's quest for fame.
The journey to create "The Stunt Driver" spanned five years, during which Dowse secured the rights to Fortier’s documentary and conducted extensive research, befriending individuals close to Carter. A significant discovery was a lost audio recording of Carter under hypnosis, revealing his motivations and forming the film’s powerful opening sequence. Jay Baruchel, at 38, matched Carter’s age at the time of the jump and, being from the region, was a natural fit for the role. The production creatively utilized archive footage for the stunts and filmed in authentic locations, including a doctor's winery with an airstrip that doubled as a garage and radio station.
The meticulous construction of the rocket car, designed by Dick Keller (Ed Helms), was undertaken by production designer Jean-André Carrière, who studied existing footage to replicate the vehicle. The monumental ramp, built early to beat the weather, underscored the inherent risks and challenges faced by the crew. Dowse candidly shared the immense pressure: "It wasn’t for the faint of heart. When you’re sitting on top of that thing you built, you pray that it works because your entire career is 60 feet up." Independent Film Company is slated to release "The Stunt Driver" in the U.S. on September 25, with Montreal Media handling the Canadian release on the same day.
"The Stunt Driver" serves as a potent reminder of the human spirit's boundless audacity and the drive to transcend perceived limits. It’s a celebration of those who dare to dream big, even when the odds are stacked against them, and a testament to the enduring appeal of the underdog. The film inspires us to consider our own boundaries and what we might achieve if we pursued our passions with such unwavering dedication, regardless of the inherent dangers.
