Rise to Success: Career Highlights of David Leitch

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 19, 2025

How David Leitch built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

David Leitch is an American filmmaker known for his work in action films. Starting as a stunt performer and coordinator, he transitioned into directing. He co-directed John Wick (2014) but was uncredited, and then directed Atomic Blonde (2017), Deadpool 2 (2018), Hobbs & Shaw (2019), Bullet Train (2022), and The Fall Guy (2024). His background in stunts heavily influences his directing style, emphasizing practical effects and elaborate action sequences.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1997: Opened 87Eleven Action Design Company

In 1997, David Leitch and Chad Stahelski opened an action design production company called 87Eleven.

2009: Starred in Confessions of an Action Star

In 2009, Leitch wrote and starred in Confessions of an Action Star, a parody of action films.

2009: Second-Unit Director and Stunt Coordinator on Ninja Assassin

In 2009, Stahelski and Leitch were second-unit directors and stunt co-ordinators on Ninja Assassin.

2014: Directorial Debut with John Wick

In 2014, David Leitch made his directorial debut with the action film John Wick, co-directing with Chad Stahelski, though only Stahelski received credit.

2014: Co-Directed John Wick

In 2014, Leitch co-directed the film John Wick with Chad Stahelski, although he was not credited as co-director.

2017: Directed Atomic Blonde

In 2017, David Leitch directed the film Atomic Blonde.

July 2018: In Talks to Direct Enter the Dragon Remake

In July 2018, David Leitch was in early talks to direct a remake of Enter the Dragon.

2018: Directed Deadpool 2

In 2018, David Leitch directed the film Deadpool 2.

January 2019: Signed on to Direct Undying Love

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.

2019: Directed Hobbs & Shaw

In 2019, David Leitch directed the film Hobbs & Shaw.

September 2020: Signed on to direct and produce The Fall Guy

In September 2020, Leitch signed on to direct and produce stuntman drama The Fall Guy for Universal Pictures.

March 2022: Left Fast & Loose Project

In March 2022, David Leitch left the action thriller Fast & Loose to focus on The Fall Guy, remaining as producer.

July 2022: To Direct Hot Air Miniseries

In July 2022, it was announced that Leitch would direct the television miniseries Hot Air, starring Andrew Garfield as Richard Branson.

August 2022: Attached to Direct Netflix Adaptation of Bang!

In August 2022, Leitch was attached to direct a Netflix adaptation of the Dark Horse comic series Bang!, with Idris Elba set to star.

November 2022: Attached to Direct Spy Thriller Red Shirt

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.

2022: Directed Bullet Train

In 2022, David Leitch directed Brad Pitt in the action-thriller Bullet Train.

January 2024: Onboard to Direct Kung Fu Adaptation

In January 2024, Leitch was onboard to direct a feature-length adaptation of Kung Fu for Universal Pictures, with Donnie Yen set to star.

May 2024: Attached to Produce and Possibly Direct Button Man Adaptation

In May 2024, Leitch was attached to produce and possibly direct a television series adaptation of Button Man for Fifth Season.

2024: Directed The Fall Guy

In 2024, David Leitch directed the film The Fall Guy.

January 2025: Entered Talks to Direct Ocean's 14

In January 2025, Leitch entered early talks to direct Ocean's 14, a sequel to the Ocean's franchise.

May 2025: To Direct How to Rob a Bank

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.

July 2, 2025: Left Jurassic Park Film

David Leitch was in discussions to direct a new Jurassic Park film scheduled for July 2, 2025, but left the project over creative differences; the film was ultimately directed by Gareth Edwards.