The Stunt Driver is an upcoming Canadian biographical comedy-drama directed by Michael Dowse. Inspired by true events, the film tells the unbelievable story of Canadian daredevil Ken Carter and his dream of performing one of the most dangerous stunt jumps ever attempted.
The screenplay draws inspiration from the acclaimed 1981 National Film Board of Canada documentary The Devil at Your Heels. The cast includes Jay Baruchel, Ed Helms, Ben Foster, Laurence Leboeuf, and Dan Bakkedahl.
Set in the mid-1970s, the story follows Ken Carter, a fearless stunt driver known across Canada as “The Mad Canadian.” Determined to make history, Carter plans to launch a rocket-powered car from a towering 90-foot ramp and jump across the St. Lawrence River into the United States.
Along the way, he faces engineering disasters, financial struggles, public ridicule, and an intense rivalry with legendary American daredevil Evel Knievel. The film combines energetic comedy with emotional drama while celebrating one man’s relentless pursuit of an impossible dream. The Stunt Driver is scheduled for a theatrical release on September 25, 2026.
The Stunt Driver Age Rating
The Stunt Driver is rated R for pervasive language. The MPAA rating means the film contains material intended for mature audiences, primarily because of its frequent use of strong profanity. Parents should expect repeated coarse language throughout the film, along with several scenes involving dangerous stunt work and mature emotional themes. While the movie is comedic in tone, its realistic depiction of reckless stunts, high-risk behavior, and adult situations makes it more appropriate for older viewers.
Violence & Peril
Although The Stunt Driver is not an action thriller, it contains numerous scenes involving dangerous stunt driving and life-threatening situations. Characters attempt risky automotive experiments, rocket-powered vehicle tests, and high-speed jumps that frequently end in spectacular crashes or mechanical failures. Explosions, flying debris, damaged vehicles, and moments where characters narrowly escape serious injury create sustained tension. Because the story is based on real events, the danger feels grounded and realistic rather than exaggerated. Some scenes may be stressful for younger viewers due to the constant threat of severe accidents.
Language
Language is the primary reason for the film’s R rating. Strong profanity is used frequently throughout the movie, including repeated uses of the F-word and other coarse language common among mechanics, stunt performers, and rivals. Heated arguments, workplace insults, and emotionally charged confrontations feature persistent mature dialogue. Mild profanity and crude expressions also appear regularly.
Mature Themes
The film explores several adult themes beyond its comedy. Characters struggle with financial hardship, public failure, professional jealousy, obsession with fame, and the psychological pressure of chasing impossible dreams. The rivalry between Ken Carter and Evel Knievel includes hostility, ego clashes, and emotional conflict. The story also examines personal insecurities, public humiliation, and the emotional cost of risking everything for success. Based on available information, there is no significant sexual content or graphic nudity, though occasional suggestive remarks may appear. Smoking and alcohol use are expected in keeping with the 1970s setting.
Is The Stunt Driver Suitable for Teens?
Ages 16–17: With Guidance. Older teenagers who enjoy historical films, true stories, or automotive action may appreciate the inspiring real-life story behind Ken Carter’s legendary stunt attempt. However, parents should be aware that the movie contains persistent strong language and numerous scenes of dangerous behavior that should not be imitated.
Ages 13–15: Not Recommended. The constant use of strong profanity and mature emotional themes make the film less suitable for younger teens. While the violence is largely stunt-related rather than graphic, the realistic danger and adult dialogue may be inappropriate for this age group.
Under 13: No. The Stunt Driver is not appropriate for children. Frequent strong language, intense stunt sequences, adult themes, and realistic peril are likely to exceed what younger viewers can comfortably understand or handle.
Overall recommendation: The Stunt Driver is best suited for mature teens aged 16+ with parental guidance, while adults will likely appreciate its blend of true history, comedy, and daredevil spectacle.
What Parents Can Do
- Explain that Ken Carter was a real stunt performer and discuss how professional stunt work is carefully planned and should never be copied.
- Talk with older teens about how ambition can inspire great achievements but also lead to dangerous choices when taken to extremes.
- Prepare viewers for the film’s frequent strong language and discuss why the characters communicate this way within the stressful environment portrayed.
FAQs
Q: Is The Stunt Driver rated R?
A: Yes. The Stunt Driver is rated R for pervasive language, with frequent strong profanity throughout the film.
Q: Is The Stunt Driver appropriate for kids?
A: No. The film is intended for mature audiences because of its language, dangerous stunt sequences, and adult themes.
Q: How violent is The Stunt Driver?
A: Violence is mostly related to dangerous stunt driving, crashes, explosions, and life-threatening situations rather than graphic physical violence.
Q: Does The Stunt Driver contain strong language?
A: Yes. Frequent use of the F-word and other strong profanity is the primary reason for the R rating.
Q: Is there any sexual content or nudity?
A: Based on currently available information, there is no significant sexual content or graphic nudity. Some mild suggestive dialogue may be present.
Q: Where can I watch The Stunt Driver?
A: The Stunt Driver is scheduled to be released in theaters on September 25, 2026, via Mongrel Media