Director David Leitch and producer Kelly McCormick had the idea to use Taylor Swift’s song “All Too Well” as a key moment in “The Fall Guy,” featuring Ryan Gosling as a stuntman who falls off the grid for 18 months. The film’s soundtrack also includes the challenging inclusion of Kiss’s “I Was Made For Lovin’ You” and other throwback hits, as well as original songs like Blake Shelton’s cover of the 1980s “Fall Guy” TV show theme. Despite efforts to include Alanis Morissette’s “You Oughta Know” in a karaoke scene, it was ultimately cut from the final version.
The Fall Guy Soundtrack: Taylor Swift’s All Too Well and Kiss’s I Was Made For Lovin’ You
Picture this: Ryan Gosling, Hollywood’s top stuntman, brooding in his pickup truck, reflecting on lost love as Taylor Swift’s “All Too Well” plays in the background. The scene perfectly captures the essence of extreme heartbreak, with Gosling’s character Colt Seavers embodying the raw emotions of the song. It’s a moment that almost didn’t happen, but thanks to producer Kelly McCormick’s love for Swift’s music, it became a pivotal part of “The Fall Guy” soundtrack.
McCormick, a self-proclaimed Swiftie, was determined to include a Taylor Swift song in the film. She found the perfect fit in “All Too Well,” a track that resonated with Colt’s feelings of loss and longing. Even Gosling himself agreed that the song captured the essence of the scene. However, incorporating Swift’s storytelling into a movie proved to be a challenge. McCormick notes, “Taylor’s hard to put in a movie because she’s a storyteller.” Nevertheless, the emotional depth of “All Too Well” made it an ideal choice for Colt’s introspective moment.
Kiss’s “I Was Made For Lovin’ You”: A Campy Cool Addition to the Soundtrack
On the other end of the musical spectrum is Kiss’s iconic 1979 hit, “I Was Made For Lovin’ You.” Director David Leitch was adamant about including the song in the film, seeing it as a perfect blend of campiness and coolness that encapsulated the movie’s tone. Despite initial skepticism from McCormick and others, Leitch’s vision for the track prevailed.
The road to securing the rights for “I Was Made For Lovin’ You” was not without its challenges. It took effort to integrate the song into the film seamlessly, with composer Dominic Lewis deconstructing the track and incorporating it into the movie’s score. Additionally, singer Yungblud’s cover version added a fresh twist to the song, enhancing its impact during an action-packed speedboat sequence.
Ultimately, “I Was Made For Lovin’ You” became the soul of the film’s soundtrack, tying together the disparate elements of the story with its infectious energy. Despite initial doubts, the song found its place as a key musical motif in “The Fall Guy.”
Blake Shelton’s “Unknown Stuntman” and Other Throwback Hits
In addition to contemporary hits like Taylor Swift and Kiss, the soundtrack of “The Fall Guy” pays homage to the ’80s with classics like Phil Collins’ “Against All Odds” and a karaoke version of Christina Aguilera’s “Genie in a Bottle.” The nostalgia doesn’t end there, as the theme song from the original “Fall Guy” TV show gets a modern twist with Blake Shelton’s rendition of “Unknown Stuntman.”
The decision to have Shelton cover the iconic theme song was a no-brainer, given his musical prowess and connection to producer Kelly McCormick. The collaboration resulted in a fresh take on a beloved classic, adding another layer of depth to the film’s musical tapestry. Music supervisor Rachel Levy credits director David Leitch’s passion for music as a driving force behind the soundtrack’s cohesion, emphasizing the importance of music in shaping the characters and narrative.
The Alanis Morissette Karaoke Moment That Almost Was
Amidst the musical triumphs of “The Fall Guy” soundtrack, there are also moments that didn’t make the final cut. One such instance is the inclusion of Alanis Morissette’s fiery anthem “You Oughta Know” in a karaoke scene featuring Emily Blunt’s character, Jody. Intended to showcase Jody’s frustration and heartache, the song was a powerful choice that added emotional depth to the scene.
However, due to runtime constraints and the need to streamline the film, the Alanis Morissette moment was left on the cutting room floor. Despite securing the rights to the song, the filmmakers ultimately decided to focus on the core narrative, trimming down the runtime to ensure a more cohesive viewing experience. As McCormick reminisces, “She’s slowly losing it on stage in front of the crew, and she doesn’t know what song to sing.”
In the end, “The Fall Guy” stands as a testament to the power of music in storytelling, with each song adding a layer of emotion and depth to the characters and their journey. From Taylor Swift’s heart-wrenching ballads to Kiss’s anthemic rock, the soundtrack weaves a tapestry of sound that enhances the cinematic experience and immerses the audience in the world of Colt Seavers and his daring escapades.
