Pete Davidson & David Leitch Reveal Stunt Secrets: Inside the Grueling World of Stunt Design!

87North, the powerhouse behind movies like “The Fall Guy,” “Nobody,” and the acclaimed John Wick series, is making waves again with the Stunt Design Showdown.

Entering its second edition, this event is a competitive platform aimed at nurturing new talent in the stunt industry. The showdown not only tests their skills but also provides them with invaluable resources such as access to state-of-the-art facilities, expert guidance, production tools, and exposure to leading professionals in the field. Each group is given an identical script and the same amount of time to prepare, ensuring fairness while highlighting the importance of narrative, choreography, and filmic presentation. Supported by Filmik, the 54-hour competition challenges participants to think creatively and perform stunts impeccably under intense pressure. Founded by director David Leitch and Kelly McCormick, 87North and their 87North Action Foundation aspire to create more opportunities for rising stunt coordinators.

Pete Davidson, who teamed up with Leitch in the forthcoming film “How to Rob a Bank,” slated for a 2026 release, shared his enthusiasm for working with the film’s stunt team.

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In a conversation with The Bangin Beats, Davidson remarked, “The stunt team felt like family. They were incredibly precise and enthusiastic about every move.” He continued, “They paid attention to every little detail and made adjustments based on my physical attributes and abilities. The support and encouragement I received made me feel at ease very quickly. I was also impressed by their passion and professionalism, and their excitement for upcoming stunts. It was truly inspiring and refreshing.”

The competitors, over a span of five days, vie for a one-year membership at the 87North Action Design facility, a one-day post-production workshop with Narrator Inc., and a DJI camera package. According to Leitch, evaluating the entries and selecting a winner among the many talented participants was challenging. This year’s top honor went to the team Code 10-10.

“The level of submissions this year was extraordinary,” noted Leitch. “Choosing a winner was tough as the quality was significantly higher than last year. This is due to the competitive spirit and the strong sense of camaraderie within our tight-knit stunt community. It’s thrilling to see everyone push their limits. The creativity on display was truly unbelievable.”

With the recent announcement that a Best Stunt Design category will be introduced at the Academy Awards in 2028, Davidson and Leitch are hopeful that the Stunt Design Showdown will continue to expand and educate audiences about the complexity and craftsmanship involved in stunt work.

Davidson shared, “Whenever I watched a movie, I’d always wonder about the effort behind the scenes. Many people don’t realize just how challenging this work is.” He added, “Those of us in the industry value it, but the general public might not appreciate this often overlooked aspect. I’m glad David is advocating for greater recognition because behind every thrilling action scene is a team of dedicated professionals who make it all happen. While actors, directors, and writers often receive the glory, the contributions of these incredible teams should also be acknowledged.”

Leitch is optimistic that this recognition will change how audiences view the world of stunts and inspire a new generation of stunt coordinators to achieve recognition in the entertainment industry. “We are artists. Just as costume designers and production designers craft the worlds we immerse ourselves in, stunt coordinators design the action sequences. It’s a deeply artistic process. We might be seen as just the physical performers, but we are also the creative force behind some of the most memorable moments in cinema. It’s time that stunt professionals are recognized alongside other artists in this collaborative art form we cherish so deeply.”