Investigation of Skyscraper's Feat (original version with an addendum)

TL;DR

This paper analyzes a stunt from a Hollywood film trailer, demonstrating through simple calculations that the feat is physically plausible within human capabilities.

Contribution

It provides an accessible, physics-based analysis of a film stunt, clarifying misconceptions about its realism.

Findings

The stunt is feasible with human strength and physics principles.

Back-of-the-envelope calculations support the stunt's plausibility.

The analysis bridges entertainment and physics education.

Abstract

Skyscraper is a Hollywood action film directed and written by Rawson M. Thurber scheduled to be released on July 13, 2018. We present an exhaustive analysis of the feat shown in the recently released teaser poster and trailer of the film. Although the feat appears to be unrealistic at first glance, after close investigation using back-of-the-envelope calculations, it is seen to be within human capabilities. This article is the original version of an abridged article published in Physics Education. It was written very soon after the poster and clip were released by Universal Pictures.