If you were tuning into primetime television in the 1980s, you were undoubtedly immersed in the golden era of action-packed drama series. Shows like The A-Team, Knight Rider, The Greatest American Hero, and of course, The Fall Guy, dominated the airwaves. These shows were reliably formulaic and entertaining, delivering weekly doses of thrilling car chases, dramatic shootouts, and good old-fashioned fist fights, all anchored by charismatic lead characters. And crucially, almost every one of these iconic shows boasted a fantastic theme song – catchy tunes with lyrics that instantly captured the show’s essence.
The upcoming Universal Pictures movie adaptation of The Fall Guy is not just bringing back the action; it’s also reviving the spirit of the original with a fresh take on its beloved theme song. Country music icon and The Voice alum Blake Shelton has stepped into the recording booth to lend his voice to a contemporary rendition of this classic tune.
Blake Shelton’s Take on “The Unknown Stuntman”: A Country Twist
Yes, it’s true! Country music superstar Blake Shelton is the voice behind the updated version of The Fall Guy‘s instantly recognizable theme song, famously titled “The Unknown Stuntman.”
Blake Shelton’s involvement wasn’t originally planned to have the film’s star, Ryan Gosling, known for his musical talents in Barbie and beyond, singing “The Unknown Stuntman.” Instead, the producers sought out Blake Shelton, a self-proclaimed fan of the original TV series and a genuine country music powerhouse, to reimagine the theme for the movie’s end credits.
Director David Leitch shared with NBC Insider that the collaboration came about through a connection between Mike Knobloch, President of Music and Publishing at NBCUniversal, and Shelton, a long-time judge on The Voice.
“Mike Knobloch is close to Blake, and Blake had sort of hinted like, ‘Hey, if they want someone to redo the song…,’ and we’re like, ‘Are you kidding, Blake? Yes, please!'” Leitch recounted. The filmmakers eagerly embraced the opportunity, excited to have Shelton, a fan of the source material, bring his contemporary country sound to the classic theme.
The Origin of a Classic: Lee Majors and “The Unknown Stuntman”
The Fall Guy television series, which enjoyed a successful five-season run, was unique in many ways, including having its lead actor also perform the theme song. Lee Majors, who starred as Colt Seavers, the stuntman moonlighting as a bounty hunter, took on double duty, lending his vocal talents to “The Unknown Stuntman.”
While Lee Majors delivered a commendable vocal performance of the “autobiographical” lyrics, it’s worth noting that singing wasn’t his primary profession. Unlike some actors who seamlessly transition between acting and music careers, Majors was not a professional singer. However, he was persuaded to sing the theme song because the lyrics resonated deeply with the character of Colt Seavers. The song poignantly captures the often-underappreciated role of a stuntman – the unsung heroes who perform dangerous feats, taking risks and doing the “dirty work” while the leading actors reap the accolades and fame.
Hear Blake Shelton’s Updated Version of “The Unknown Stuntman”
Universal Pictures has provided a sneak peek of Blake Shelton’s rendition of the iconic song. Take a listen below and get ready for a nostalgic trip with a modern country twist.
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The revival of “The Fall Guy” theme song, now reimagined by Blake Shelton, not only pays homage to the beloved 80s series but also introduces this iconic tune to a new generation. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of a great theme song and the timeless spirit of The Fall Guy.
