For other people, see David Leitch (disambiguation).
David Leitch
Birth dateNovember 16, 1975 (age 50)[1]
Birth placeKohler, Wisconsin, U.S.[2]
Occupation
  • Filmmaker
  • actor
  • stunt performer
  • stunt coordinator
Years active1995–present
SpouseKelly McCormick (m. 2014)
EducationUniversity of Minnesota (BA)

David Leitch (/liːtʃ/;[3] born November 16, 1975)[1] is an American filmmaker, stunt performer, stunt coordinator, and actor. He made his directorial debut on the action film John Wick (2014) with Chad Stahelski, though only Stahelski was credited.[4] He later also directed the films Atomic Blonde (2017), Deadpool 2 (2018), Hobbs & Shaw (2019), Bullet Train (2022), The Fall Guy (2024) and How to Rob a Bank (2026).

Career

Leitch graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations in 1993.[5]

Leitch was a stunt double for Brad Pitt five times and twice for Jean-Claude Van Damme.[citation needed] Leitch and his crew won two awards for The Bourne Ultimatum at the Screen Actors Guild Awards.[6] He also shared a 2008 Taurus World Stunt Award with fellow stunt-person Kai Martin for high work.[7]

He wrote and starred in Confessions of an Action Star, a parody of action films and the action film industry released in 2009.[8][9]

Leitch and Chad Stahelski opened an action design production company called 87Eleven in 1997. In 2009, Stahelski and Leitch were second-unit directors and stunt co-ordinators on Ninja Assassin. The two co-directed the 2014 film John Wick,[10] although Leitch himself was not credited as co-director. Leitch executive produced the three John Wick sequels, which Stahelski solo directed.

He moved on to direct films such as Atomic Blonde, Deadpool 2 and Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw with his wife and creative partner Kelly McCormick serving as a producer. In 2022, he also directed Brad Pitt in the action-thriller Bullet Train.

In September 2020, Leitch signed on to direct and produce stuntman drama The Fall Guy for Universal Pictures, with Drew Pearce writing the screenplay and Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt starring. The film, based on the 1980s television series of the same name, was released in the United States on May 3, 2024.[11][12][13][14]

Upcoming/unrealized projects

In July 2018, Leitch was in early talks to direct a remake of Enter the Dragon,[15] but on April 22, 2019, it was reported to be a sequel, rather than a remake.[16] In January 2019, Leitch signed on to direct Undying Love, based on the limited comic book series by Tomm Coker and Daniel Freedman, for Studio 8.[17] In July 2022, it was announced Leitch would direct the television miniseries Hot Air, starring Andrew Garfield as Richard Branson, based on the book Dirty Secrets by Martyn Gregory.[18] In August 2022, Leitch was attached to direct a Netflix adaptation of the Dark Horse comic series Bang!, with Idris Elba set to star.[19] In November 2022, Leitch became attached to direct spy thriller Red Shirt, based on a pitch by Simon Kinberg and with Channing Tatum set to star; by the end of the month, the project was picked up by Amazon Studios.[20][21] In January 2024, Leitch was onboard to direct a feature-length adaptation of Kung Fu for Universal Pictures, with Donnie Yen set to star.[22] In May 2024, Leitch was attached to produce and possibly direct a television series adaptation of Button Man for Fifth Season.[23] In January 2025, he entered early talks to direct Ocean's 14, a sequel to the Ocean's franchise.[24]

Leitch was once attached to direct The Division, based on the video game of the same name, but he stepped down due to scheduling conflicts with Bullet Train.[25] He was also set to direct the action thriller Fast & Loose for Netflix and STXfilms, with Will Smith set to star, but by March 2022, he left the project to focus instead on The Fall Guy.[12][26] He would continue to be involved as producer with Michael Bay in talks to replace him as director.[27] Leitch was in discussions to direct a new Jurassic Park film[28] scheduled for July 2, 2025,[29][30] but left the project over creative differences; the film was ultimately directed by Gareth Edwards.[31][32][33]

In May 2025, it was announced Leitch would direct the crime action thriller How to Rob a Bank, starring Nicolas Hoult, Pete Davidson, and Anna Sawai. The film will be distributed by Amazon MGM Studios and is scheduled for September 4, 2026.[34]

Personal life

Leitch dated actress Maggie Q from 2009 to 2011.

He has been married to executive producer Kelly McCormick since 2014.

Filmography

Film

YearTitleDirectorProducerNotes
2014John WickChad Stahelski
2017Atomic Blonde
2018Deadpool 2
2019Hobbs & Shaw
2022Bullet Train
2024The Fall Guy
2026How to Rob a BankPost-production

Producer only

Writer

Executive producer

Short film

YearTitleNotes
2017No Good Deed
2019SnowbrawlShot on iPhone 11, sponsored by Apple Inc.

2nd unit director

YearTitleDirector
2003In HellRingo Lam
2008The Midnight Meat TrainRyuhei Kitamura
2009Ninja AssassinJames McTeigue
2010The King of FightersGordon Chan
2011The MechanicSimon West
Conan the BarbarianMarcus Nispel
In TimeAndrew Niccol
2013Hansel & Gretel: Witch HuntersTommy Wirkola
ParkerTaylor Hackford
Anchorman 2: The Legend ContinuesAdam McKay
The WolverineJames Mangold
Escape PlanMikael Håfström
2014Teenage Mutant Ninja TurtlesJonathan Liebesman
2015Hitman: Agent 47Aleksander Bach
Jurassic WorldColin Trevorrow
2016Captain America: Civil WarRusso brothers
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the ShadowsDave Green

Stuntwork

Acting credits

YearTitleRoleNotes
2001The OrderDet. Mike Moran
2002Nine LivesPaul
2003In HellPaul
2005V for VendettaConvenience Store V
Confessions of an Action StarFrank Sledge
The Dukes of HazzardPuncher
2007FetchJohn "Fetch" FetcherShort film
2008Speed RacerGus GustafersonUncredited
2009Ninja AssassinEuropol Door Guard
2010The King of FightersTerry Bogard
2011The MechanicSebastian
2012The Bourne LegacyThe Driver
2013Escape PlanShip Captain
2018Deadpool 2Cain Marko / Juggernaut
Ground Church Mutant		Leitch provided motion-capture performance on-set,
while Ryan Reynolds provided facial motion-capture and voice performances
2019Hobbs & ShawHelicopter Pilot
2022Bullet TrainJeff Zufelt

Stunts

YearTitleNotes
1995Sherman OaksSeason 1
19967th Heaven
1997-2001Buffy the Vampire Slayer18 episodes
1998CHiPs '99TV movie
1999The PracticeEpisode: "Day in Court"
The Strip
2000The President's ManTV movie
2001The Pretender 2001
Scrubs
20062006 MTV Movie AwardsTV special,
Stunt double
General HospitalEpisode 10967

Acting credits

YearTitleRoleNotes
1998Martial LawDavid HasbroEpisodes "Diamond Fever", "Dead Ringers", "Funny Money" and "Trackdown"
2000Power Rangers Lightspeed RescueBrianEpisode "Up to the Challenge"
2001Walker Texas RangerFloyd JessopEpisode "Medieval Crimes"
2003L.A. County 187Earnest CopTV movie
2004CharmedInnocentEpisode "There's Something About Leo"
2019SonglandHimselfEpisode "Aloe Blacc"

Awards and nominations

YearAssociationNominated workCategoryResultRef.
2007Screen Actors Guild Awards300Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture[35]
The Bourne Ultimatum[6]
2019Grammy AwardsDeadpool 2Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media[36]

References

  1. ^ "David Leitch". AlloCiné. Retrieved August 9, 2019.
  2. ^ "5 questions with "Hobbs & Shaw" director - and Wisconsin native - David Leitch". OnMilwaukee. August 2, 2019. Retrieved August 9, 2019.
  3. ^ Murphy, Mekado (May 17, 2018). "Anatomy of a Scene | 'Deadpool 2'". The New York Times. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
  4. ^ "John Wick' Filmmakers on How to Direct Action, DGA, Keanu Reeves' Advice, and More". The Film Stage. October 21, 2014. Retrieved March 28, 2017.
  5. ^ Johnson, Laura (2024-11-01). "Life on the Other Side of Fear". College of Liberal Arts. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
  6. ^ "Final 14th Annual SAG Awards Recipient Press Release". Screen Actors Guild. January 27, 2008. Archived from the original on May 9, 2008. Retrieved January 27, 2008.
  7. ^ "Taurus World Stunt Award Winners and Nominees 2008". Taurus World Stunt Award. 2008. Archived from the original on 2018-06-12. Retrieved 2018-06-12.
  8. ^ "Interview with David Leitch (Matrix, 300, Wolverine, Bourne Ultimatum, Confessions of an Action Star) Pt. 1". Action Flick Chick. May 15, 2009.
  9. ^ "Interview with David Leitch (Part 2)". Action Flick Chick. June 16, 2009.
  10. ^ "Keanu Reeves, 'John Wick' Directors on How Their 'Matrix' Past Helped With Assassin Film". The Hollywood Reporter. 24 October 2014. Retrieved March 28, 2017.
  11. ^ Kroll, Justin (2020-09-23). "Universal Lands Hot One: Stuntman-Turned-Director David Leitch To Helm Untitled Stuntman Drama To Star Ryan Gosling; Entertainment 360, 87North and Gosling Producing". Deadline. Retrieved 2021-04-15.
  12. ^ Kroll, Justin (July 27, 2021). "Netflix Acquires Hot Package 'Fast & Loose' From STXfilms With Will Smith Starring And David Leitch Directing". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 2, 2022.
  13. ^ Kroll, Justin (August 12, 2022). "Emily Blunt Joins Ryan Gosling In Universal's 'The Fall Guy' Movie; Studio Sets Release Date". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved August 13, 2022.
  14. ^ Zee, Michaela (November 14, 2023). "'The Fall Guy' Release Date Moved to May, Stakes Out 'Deadpool 3' Slot". Variety. Archived November 29, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved November 15, 2023.
  15. ^ Mike Fleming, Jr (23 July 2018). "Remake Of Bruce Lee's 'Enter The Dragon' Has 'Deadpool 2's David Leitch in Talks". Deadline. Archived 6 August 2018 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 5 August 2018.
  16. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (April 22, 2019). "'Hobbs And Shaw' Director David Leitch & Kelly McCormick Ink First Look Deal With Universal". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 17, 2025.
  17. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (30 January 2019). "David Leitch To Helm 'Undying Love;' Graphic Novel Moves To Studio 8". Deadline. Retrieved 31 January 2019.
  18. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (July 15, 2022). "Andrew Garfield To Star As Richard Branson In 'Hot Air' Limited Series; David Leitch To Direct For Universal Int'l Studios". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
  19. ^ Grobar, Matt (August 3, 2022). "Idris Elba-David Leitch Pic 'Bang!' In Works As Netflix And Dark Horse Entertainment Extend Partnership". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  20. ^ Kroll, Justin (November 17, 2022). "Hot Package: Channing Tatum Teams With Simon Kinberg And David Leitch On 'Red Shirt'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
  21. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (November 28, 2022). "Amazon Studios Lands Hot Package 'Red Shirt' From Channing Tatum, David Leitch And Simon Kinberg". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
  22. ^ Kroll, Justin (January 31, 2024). "Donnie Yen To Star In 'Kung Fu' Film Adaptation For Universal Pictures & 87North". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  23. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (May 3, 2024). "Fifth Season Sets 'Button Man'; 'The Fall Guy's David Leitch & Kelly McCormick In Talks To Turn Famed John Wagner Graphic Novel Into TV Series". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  24. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (January 22, 2025). "David Leitch Paddling Towards 'Ocean's 14'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  25. ^ Kroll, Justin (February 25, 2021). "Rawson Marshall Thurber To Direct Netflix Adaptation Of Popular Video Game 'The Division' Starring Jake Gyllenhaal And Jessica Chastain". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
  26. ^ Burton, Carson (April 2, 2022). "Netflix Pumps Brakes on Will Smith Action Film ' Fast & Loose'". Variety. Retrieved April 2, 2022.
  27. ^ Kroll, Justin (October 7, 2024). "Will Smith And Michael Bay Eyeing Reunion On Netflix Action Pic 'Fast And Loose'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  28. ^ Kit, Borys & Gajewski, Ryan (February 5, 2024). "David Leitch in Talks to Direct New 'Jurassic World' Movie". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
  29. ^ Kit, Borys (January 22, 2024). "New 'Jurassic World' Movie in the Works with David Koepp Writing (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
  30. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (February 5, 2024). "'Jurassic World' New Movie Eyes Summer 2025 Release". Deadline. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
  31. ^ Couch, Aaron (2024-02-09). "'Jurassic World' Loses Director David Leitch". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  32. ^ Jr, Justin Kroll,Mike Fleming; Kroll, Justin; Jr, Mike Fleming (2024-02-05). "New 'Jurassic World' Movie At Universal Circling David Leitch To Direct–The Dish". Deadline. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  33. ^ Kit, Borys (February 20, 2024). "New 'Jurassic World' Movie Enlists Director Gareth Edwards". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved July 27, 2024.
  34. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (2025-05-07). "David Leitch's Action Pic 'How To Rob A Bank' Steals Labor Day Weekend 2026 Release Date". Deadline. Retrieved 2025-05-07.
  35. ^ "List of Screen Actors Guild Award Nominees and Winners". The New York Times. January 27, 2008. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
  36. ^ "David Leitch". The Recording Academy. 23 November 2020. Retrieved January 18, 2021.