Ryan Swanson

Ryan Swanson grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota—yeah, that’s the land of sky-blue waters, snowdrifts taller than your car, and, apparently, a knack for screenwriting. The dude isn’t just some random credit at the end of a movie; he’s got his hands all over some seriously varied stuff. Let’s start with Mr. & Mrs. Smith. Remember that one? The action-comedy with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie blowing up everything in sight while pretending to be a boring married couple? Swanson’s involved, helping shape that wild ride. It’s not just about the explosions, though—the whole thing’s got this playful, sharp vibe, like it knows exactly how ridiculous it is. But he doesn’t just stick to the big, flashy blockbusters. Drop Dead Gorgeous is a whole different flavor. That’s the dark comedy about a beauty pageant in small-town Minnesota, and honestly, it’s just dripping with sarcasm and weird Midwest charm. If you’ve ever lived near a town where the Dairy Queen doubles as the social hub, you get it. Swanson brought out all those little quirks, making the story both hilarious and kind of cringe in the best way. Then there’s The Killing Floor, which is a total pivot—way more serious, way more intense. Instead of laughs, it’s all about suspense, murder, and secrets. Swanson knows how to keep you guessing, playing with your head until the credits roll. Not every writer can jump from comedy to thriller and actually pull it off, but this guy? Somehow, he makes it look easy. So yeah, Ryan Swanson’s not just another name in the credits—he’s one of those behind-the-scenes folks who quietly shape what you remember about a film.