How Stunt Expert and ‘Runner’ Director Scott Waugh Pulled Off Explosive Set Pieces With Alan Ritchson: ‘Find the Heart’ and Create ‘A Beautiful Spectacle’

Scott Waugh thinks about big set pieces differently than other filmmakers.

Waugh began his career as a stunt performer at 12 years old, following in the footsteps of his father, career Hollywood stuntman Fred Waugh. Gaining enough prestige and respect in the industry himself to become the president of the elite organization Stunts Unlimited, Scott retired at 30 in order to direct.

Since then, Scott has helmed several high-profile and high-octane movies, like 2012’s “Act of Valor,” 2014’s “Need for Speed” and 2023’s “Expend4bles,” and wrangled some larger-than-life personalities, like Jason Statham, Sylvester Stallone, Dolph Lundgren, Jackie Chan and John Cena.

Industrywide, former stuntmen have also made a name for themselves as capable action directors, from “John Wick” helmer Chad Stahelski and “The Fall Guy” director David Leitch to “Extraction” filmmaker Sam Hargrave.

Scott’s latest feature is “Runner,” in theaters Friday via Angel Studios. In it, “Reacher” star Alan Ritchson plays a former soldier named Hank who must work with Ben (Owen Wilson) to deliver an organ to a girl in need. Unfortunately, a cartel gets involved, and plenty of action sparks from there.