The Fall Guy film recently sparked controversy over a joke made by a character named Gail Meyer, played by Hannah Waddingham, about Amber Heard and Johnny Depp. The joke, which implied a messy situation in a trailer, was met with criticism on social media, with some feeling it made light of domestic violence issues. Depp and Heard have been embroiled in legal battles over domestic violence allegations, with a recent ruling in Depp’s favor. Screenwriter Drew Pearce defended the joke, stating it was meant to show Gail’s villainous character.
The Fall Guy, starring Ryan Gosling as veteran stuntman Colt Seavers, follows the story of Colt reuniting with his ex-girlfriend Jody Moreno, played by Emily Blunt, to work on a film together. After Colt’s return to the movie business, he is tasked with finding his former co-star, Tom Ryder, who has gone missing. In the midst of the search for Tom, Colt finds himself entangled in a conspiracy that leads to a destructive incident in Jody’s trailer, setting up Gail’s controversial joke about Depp and Heard. Pearce explained that the line was meant to show Gail’s character flaws and was not a reflection of the filmmakers’ opinions.
Pearce shared that the intention behind Gail’s dialogue was to present all characters, including Gail, in an authentic manner with all their flaws. He clarified that the character’s opinion in the film is separate from the film’s overall message or the filmmakers’ perspectives. While acknowledging the audience’s right to react to the dialogue, Pearce emphasized the importance of understanding the character’s motivation and context within the story. The controversial joke was meant to highlight the unpleasant side of Gail’s character.
Despite the controversy surrounding the film, The Fall Guy had a weaker than expected opening at the box office. In its first weekend, the film grossed $64.4 million worldwide, falling short of projections. The film’s performance at the box office may have been impacted by the backlash over the controversial joke, as well as other factors. Regardless of the financial performance, The Fall Guy remains a film that delves into complex themes and character dynamics, with a focus on authenticity and flawed individuals. The controversy surrounding the film may have sparked discussions about the portrayal of characters and sensitive issues in media.
