The Bikeriders Director Discloses Which Actor Was Barred from Riding a Motorcycle

Entertainment | June 22, 2024, 7:34 p.m.

In the making of Jeff Nichols' new biker epic, The Bikeriders, actor Michael Shannon stood out for all the wrong reasons. While other cast members like Austin Butler and Tom Hardy embraced motorcycle training, Shannon avoided it altogether, with the director admitting he wasn't even allowed near a bike. Nichols recalled Shannon's lack of a driver's license during their previous collaboration on Midnight Special, highlighting his aversion to learning new skills. Despite Shannon's undeniable talent, his reluctance towards motorcycles remained firm. On the other hand, Butler, who shares a deep love for bikes, navigated a potentially dangerous situation during filming with quick thinking and a bit of luck. Inspired by Danny Lyon's iconic photo book, The Bikeriders delves into the evolution of a motorcycle club, now showing in theaters.