David Leitch

David Leitch (also credited as David M. Leitch) is an American director and former stunt professional born on November 16, 1975, in Kohler, Wisconsin. Known for kinetic, precision-built action, he brought hands-on experience from performing and coordinating stunts into a filmmaking style that emphasizes clarity, physicality, and momentum.

Leitch’s breakthrough behind the camera came with John Wick (2014), which he co-directed with Chad Stahelski; only Stahelski received official directing credit at the time. The film’s sleek choreography and world-building helped reshape modern action cinema and set the stage for Leitch’s rise as a go-to filmmaker for big, stunt-driven studio projects.

He went on to direct high-profile hits including Atomic Blonde (2017), Deadpool 2 (2018), Hobbs & Shaw (2019), Bullet Train (2022), and The Fall Guy (2024), often blending sharp comedy with elaborate set pieces. His work is frequently praised for making complex action readable while still feeling inventive and fast.

Before focusing on directing, Leitch also appeared on screen, with credits ranging from The Matrix Reloaded (uncredited) to roles in Confessions of an Action Star and game adaptations like The King of Fighters. He has also appeared as himself in documentaries tied to the John Wick phenomenon.