Exciting times lie ahead for the stunt community as the Academy prepares to debut its Stunt Design award at the 2028 Oscars, finally giving long-overdue recognition to the artistry and ingenuity behind cinematic action sequences. This announcement seems particularly timely, given filmmaker David Leitch's 2024 film The Fall Guy, which paid homage to stuntmen and may have been a motivating factor for the Academy's decision.

Building on his reputation as a master of high-octane storytelling, David Leitch has reportedly set his sights on a new project titled Fight at Universal. Written by Nathaniel Halpern (Tales From The Loop and Legion), the details of the film remain tightly under wraps. However, considering Leitch’s collaboration with his longtime producer Kelly McCormick and the action-centric nature of their previous projects—such as Nobody, Bullet Train, and The Fall Guy—we can reasonably anticipate a thrilling, action-packed experience. If production moves quickly, Fight might even position itself for Oscar consideration under the new Stunt Design category.

Leitch’s schedule is brimming with other ambitious projects. Among them is the thriller How To Rob A Bank, starring Nicholas Hoult and Pete Davidson, as well as the Hong Kong underworld-set vampire action-romance Undying Love. There’s also the Andrew Garfield-led Hot Air, a miniseries centered on Richard Branson, the graphic novel adaptation Button Man, and an untitled collaboration between 87North and Amazon MGM Studios, once again featuring Hoult. Each of these endeavors highlights Leitch’s versatility and dedication to pushing cinematic boundaries.

With the spotlight finally shining on Hollywood's stunt performers and the dynamic slate of films on Leitch’s horizon, it’s clear that action as both craft and art is entering a new era of appreciation and innovation. All signs point to exciting years ahead for fans of daring storytelling. Let’s buckle up and enjoy the ride!