The Stunt Driver Release: Jay Baruchel Becomes Canadian Daredevil Ken Carter In Michael Dowse's True Story

In the 1970s, a Canadian stuntman named Ken Carter decided he would drive a rocket-powered car off a 90-foot ramp and fly it across the St. Lawrence River. The Stunt Driver, opening in theatres across Canada and the US today, tells the story of how he tried.

Who Was Ken Carter?

Known as The Mad Canadian, Carter was a daredevil whose ambitions were even bigger than his crashes. His multi-year attempt to jump a rocket-powered Lincoln Continental across the river was captured in the 1981 National Film Board of Canada documentary The Devil at Your Heels, which the film draws on directly.

Cast And Crew

Jay Baruchel plays Carter, reuniting with director Michael Dowse after their hockey comedy Goon. Ed Helms plays Dick Keller, Laurence Leboeuf plays Carter's wife Gloria, and Ben Foster appears as Evel Knievel, who becomes an early backer. Dan Bakkedahl and Joe Cobden also star.

What Critics Are Saying

The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 11 and picked up strong notices. Critics have praised Baruchel for playing Carter with warmth rather than as a joke, and highlighted how the film blends grainy 16mm recreations of the NFB documentary with modern footage. Leboeuf's performance as Gloria has also been singled out.

Where To Watch

Mongrel Media is releasing the film in Canada, with IFC handling the US. For our readers in Canada, it is one of the bigger homegrown releases of the autumn.

Quick Facts

• Film: The Stunt Driver

• Director: Michael Dowse

• Cast: Jay Baruchel, Ed Helms, Ben Foster, Laurence Leboeuf, Dan Bakkedahl, Joe Cobden

• Country: Canada

• Distributors: Mongrel Media (Canada), IFC (US)

• Release: September 25, 2026

• Genre: Biographical comedy-drama

FAQs

Is The Stunt Driver a true story?

Yes. It is based on Canadian daredevil Ken Carter and his attempt to jump a rocket car across the St. Lawrence River.

Who plays Ken Carter?

Jay Baruchel.

Who plays Evel Knievel?

Ben Foster.

Who directed The Stunt Driver?

Michael Dowse, who also directed Goon.