While appearing on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Martin Lawrence revealed he is writing Blue Streak 2. “We’re gonna do a sequel to Blue Streak—we’re writing it right now,” he said on the show.
You can see it all below.
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Kevin Hart is the one. The comedian turned Hollywood brand has solidified himself as one of the entertainment industry’s most successful and bankable stars over the last 15 years, starring in numerous blockbuster films that have usually been lead by his signature comedic style and unmatched energy. Occasionally he’s played a serious role, but we’ll get to that later.
From action buddy comedies to family-friendly films, Hart’s versatility has earned him a loyal global fan base. For this edition of Screen Culture, we put together five of Hart’s funniest and most commercially successful films over the last 10 years. Each is giving, why he’s able to make audiences laugh out loud while cashing in on an unmatched level that we haven’t seen since the iconic Eddie Murphy in his hey day. Oh, and we even added the box office cash each filmed raked in so ya’ll get why Hart’s that guy guy.
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)
Official Synopsis: In this action-packed sequel to the 1995 classic, four high school students discover an old video game console and are drawn into the game’s jungle setting. To escape, they must complete dangerous tasks while navigating a world full of perilous creatures and challenging obstacles. Kevin Hart stars as the avatar of a tough, muscular explorer named Franklin “Mouse” Finbar— a complete contrast to Hart’s usual persona.
Kevin Hart plays Anthony “Fridge” Johnson: A high school football player whose friendship with Spencer has deteriorated due to their different social statuses. In Jumanji, he is transformed into Franklin “Mouse” Finbar, a diminutive zoologist and weapons carrier who has a weakness in strength, speed, and cake.
Box Office Success: Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle grossed over $962 million worldwide, making it one of Hart’s biggest box office hits.
Ride Along (2014)
Official Synopsis: For two years, security guard Ben (Kevin Hart) has tried to convince James (Ice Cube), a veteran cop, that he is worthy of James’ sister, Angela. When Ben is finally accepted into the police academy, James decides to test his mettle by inviting him along on a shift deliberately designed to scare the trainee. However, events take an unexpected turn when their wild night leads to Atlanta’s most-notorious criminal and Ben’s rapid-fire mouth proves as dangerous as the bullets whizzing by them.
Hart’s rapid-fire, neurotic humor that’s he’s so good at and Ice Cube’s stoic delivery create the perfect odd couple dynamic. But Kevin Hart’s ability to blend his signature physical comedy with his dialogue in a way that only Hart can pull off, keeps the laughs on autopilot throughout the film’s runtime.
Box Office Success: Ride Along was another commercial smash for Hart, grossing over $154 million worldwide, and even led to a successful sequel, Ride Along 2.
Central Intelligence (2016)
Official Synopsis: Bullied as a teen for being overweight, Bob Stone (Dwayne Johnson) shows up to his high school reunion looking fit and muscular. While there, he finds Calvin Joyner (Kevin Hart), a fast-talking accountant who misses his glory days as a popular athlete. Stone is now a lethal CIA agent who needs Calvin’s number skills to help him save the compromised U.S. spy satellite system. Together, the former classmates encounter shootouts, espionage and double-crosses while trying to prevent worldwide chaos.
In this hilarious action-comedy, Kevin Hart plays Calvin Joyner, a mild-mannered accountant who reunites with an old high school friend, Bob Stone (Dwayne Johnson). You see a pattern of what works for Kevin Hart? We do and if it’s not broke, don’t fix it … Anyways, back to the hook, Bob is now a bulked-up CIA operative who drags Calvin into a world of espionage, danger, and stone cold action. The dynamic between Hart’s sensible character and Johnson’s prototypical secret agent archetype is an onscreen goldmine.
Box Office Success: Central Intelligence grossed over $217 million globally, further cementing Hart’s status as a leading comedy star.
Night School (2018)
Official Synopsis: Teddy Walker is a successful salesman whose life takes an unexpected turn when he accidentally blows up his place of employment. Forced to attend night school to get his GED, Teddy soon finds himself dealing with a group of misfit students, his former high school nemesis and a feisty teacher who doesn’t think he’s too bright.
Hart plays Theodore “Teddy” Walker, a man who worked as a barbecue grill salesman and has concentration issues. Back in high school, he was a school bully and an arrogant popular jerk. When you put Hart and Haddish on screen together, it’s just going to work. Their chemistry was made in a lab its so good and this film keeps you in stitches.
Box Office Success: Night School was a relative commercial success, grossing over $103 million worldwide.
Lift (2023)
Official Synopsis: A master thief is wooed by his ex-girlfriend and the FBI to pull off an impossible heist with his international crew on a 777 passenger flight from London to Zurich.
We included Lift for a reason. In Lift, Kevin Hart takes on a more serious role, playing a skilled thief at the center of a high-stakes heist. The film deviates from his usual comedic style by making Hart the only “serious” character, while the comic relief is delegated to the supporting cast. Interesting approach. This decision could have been a bold or unexpected move, but most critics believe it did not quite work out as planned, story and execution wise. Hart still manages to be engaging without leaning into humor. His natural charisma and comedic timing are what made him a star. Ultimately, while Hart delivers in a serious context, the choice to make him the straight man in Lift may have left audience yearning for more. But hey we included it because maybe Lift was funny for not trying to make Hart funny. Get it?
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A signed script from the 1994 film Above the Rim, featuring Tupac Shakur’s autograph, is hitting the auction block on November 21, 2024, through Nate D. Sanders Auctions. Tupac, who portrayed Birdie Sheppard, signed the script with his iconic “2 PAC” signature in black ballpoint on the cover, alongside signatures from the rest of the cast.
The script, originally owned by actor David Bailey (Coach Mike Rollins in the film), includes multi-colored pages representing various drafts, adding to its rarity. Measuring 8.5” x 11”, it shows light wear with a missing middle brad but remains in excellent condition.
Collectors will also receive a candid photograph taken during filming and a Letter of Authenticity (LOA) from Bailey’s son, enhancing its historical and personal significance.
The auction offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of cinematic and hip-hop history tied to Tupac’s legendary career and Above the Rim, a film celebrated for its impact on 1990s pop culture.
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Premiering on Netflix on November 22, 2024, and currently in select theaters, The Piano Lesson brings August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play with a star-studded cast to the screen. Directed by Malcolm Washington in his feature debut, the film features a compelling story about family, legacy, and the ghosts of the past.
At the story’s heart is a battle over a prized heirloom piano, a symbol of the Charles family’s history. John David Washington plays Boy Willie, a man eager to sell the piano to build his fortune. His sister, Berniece, portrayed by Danielle Deadwyler, refuses to part with the piano, as it represents the family’s heritage. Samuel L. Jackson stars as their uncle, Doaker, who tries to mediate the escalating conflict but finds himself confronting long-buried family secrets.
Adapted from Wilson’s iconic play, The Piano Lesson explores themes of identity, resilience, and the complexities of intergenerational trauma. With a screenplay by Virgil Williams and Malcolm Washington, the film features an all-star ensemble cast including Ray Fisher, Michael Potts, Erykah Badu, Skylar Aleece Smith, and Corey Hawkins.
Produced by Oscar-nominated Denzel Washington and Todd Black, The Piano Lesson brings to life Wilson’s powerful examination of family and legacy. The film’s score is composed by Alexandre Desplat, adding another layer to the gripping narrative. As the Charles family contemplates their past, the movie reveals startling truths about how history is shaped, and who ultimately gets to decide its meaning.
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Denzel Washington is putting the brakes on his retirement talk. After he spoke on his forthcoming roles, fans believed Washington was calling it a career. It turns out that’s not the case.
“I didn’t say I was going to go into retirement,” Washington said. “I said it has to be a level of interest for me. I’m more interested in getting behind the camera and that’s about five years out.
“I look at life in three different sections: you learn, you earn, and you return. I’m in the return section.”
You can hear it all below.
Speaking with Australia’s Today Show, Washington revealed his upcoming roles, including Black Panther 3.
“I’m only interested in working with the best,” Washington said. “I don’t know how many more films I’m gonna make, probably not that many. I wanna do things I haven’t done.”
He then ran down a list of his forthcoming roles: “I’ve played Othello at 22. I’m about to play Othello at 70. After that, I’m playing Hannibal. After that, I’ve been talking with Steve McQueen about a film. After that, Ryan Coogler’s writing a part for me in the next ‘Black Panther.’ After that, I’m gonna do the film Othello. After that, I’m gonna do King Lear. After that, I’m gonna retire.”
Record scratch.
All those roles sound amazing, but Washington and Coogler? Black Panther 3? Is Denzel Washington entering the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Sign us up.
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Legendary R&B group Boyz II Men are taking their 30-year story to the big screen. The four-time Grammy-winning trio, consisting of Nathan Morris, Shawn Stockman, and Wanya Morris, is partnering with Compelling Pictures and Primary Wave to develop a narrative feature film chronicling their journey.
The group, known for chart-topping hits like End of the Road and I’ll Make Love to You, will serve as executive producers on the project. “We’ve been waiting to find the right partners who understand our story and are willing to tell it all,” Nathan Morris said in a statement. “Denis and Jeff at Compelling Pictures understood us from day one.”
According to Variety, Compelling Pictures, led by Denis O’Sullivan (Bohemian Rhapsody) and Jeff Kalligheri (I Wanna Dance With Somebody), is also producing a long-form documentary about Boyz II Men’s dominance in the 1990s and 2000s and their enduring success. The team is in early talks with writers and directors to fast-track the biopic, featuring the group’s iconic music catalog.
“Having grown up as huge fans of Boyz II Men, and having spent the past couple of years getting to know the guys and become friends with them, it’s a tremendous honor to help bring their unique and untold story to the big screen,” said O’Sullivan and Kalligheri. “We’re excited to show the brotherhood and comradery, as well as the challenges and strife, humor and heartbreak, that has accompanied the unparalleled success that Nate, Shawn, Wanya, and Mike have worked so hard to achieve. And we think the global audience will want to sing along to a sexy, funny, aspirational, uplifting celebration of friendships and artistic partnerships that have stood the test of time. Doom-doom-doom-da-da….”
Larry Metsel is in the production for Primary Wave, Joe Mulvihill is in for the Mulvi Group, and Jeremy M. Rosen is in on behalf of Roxwell Films.
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Denzel Washington is pulling the curtain back on his work in Gladiator II. Speaking with Gaytey, Washington revealed he kissed a man while filming the movie.
Washington was jokingly asked, “How gay is the Roman empire?”
To which he answered: “I actually kissed a man in the film, but they took it out, they cut it, I think they got chicken. I kissed a guy full on the lips, and I guess they weren’t ready for that yet. I killed him about five minutes later. It’s ‘Gladiator.’ It’s the kiss of death.”
You can hear Washington make the reveal below.
The star-studded cast boasts Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, Connie Nielsen, and Denzel Washington.
The long-gestating sequel is directed by Ridley Scott (Napoleon) from a screenplay written by David Scarpa (Napoleon) based on a story penned by Scarpa and Peter Craig.
Check out the official synopsis:
Gladiator II continues the epic saga of power, intrigue, and vengeance set in Ancient Rome. Years after witnessing the revered hero Maximus’s death at his uncle’s hands, Lucius (Mescal) is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people.
Get this Gladiator II pairs Oscar winners Washington and Scott back again. The last time they collaborated was American Gangster, 15 years ago. We all know how that went – amazing, so it’ll be interesting to see what kind of magic they muster on this soon-to-be epic sequel.
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The DGA Theater hosted the New York premiere of The Honorable Shyne, Andscape’s new documentary exploring the inspiring journey of Grammy-winning musician turned Belizean politician, Moses “Shyne” Barrow. Directed by Marcus A. Clarke, the film delves into Shyne’s rise, his imprisonment following a high-profile nightclub shooting with Sean “Puffy” Combs, and his political comeback as Belize’s Leader of the Opposition.
Notable attendees included Amar’e Stoudemire, Ari Melber, Dave East, and DeRay Mckesson. The Honorable Shyne premieres on Hulu on Nov. 18.
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Netflix has announced Back in Action, an action-comedy directed by Seth Gordon (Horrible Bosses), set for release on Jan. 17, 2025. The film marks Cameron Diaz’s highly anticipated return to the screen, teaming up with Jamie Foxx for a thrilling new adventure.
Written by Seth Gordon and Brendan O’Brien (Neighbors), Back in Action follows former CIA spies Emily and Matt, played by Diaz and Foxx, who left espionage behind to start a family. However, their quiet life is upended when their past is exposed, forcing them back into the high-stakes world of international intrigue.
Produced by Chernin Entertainment and Good One Productions, Back in Action also features a star-studded cast that includes Kyle Chandler, Andrew Scott, Jamie Demetriou, McKenna Roberts, Rylan Jackson, and Glenn Close.
With executive producers Jamie Foxx and Datari Turner on board, Back in Action promises explosive action, humor, and a nostalgic return for Diaz fans.
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When it comes to adapting true stories into films and shows, it feels like there isn’t anything that is truly off limits. Michael Jackson’s story is getting treatment we’ve all been waiting for in ‘Michael.’ Wu-Tang Clan had a strong series on Hulu in Wu-Tang: An American Saga and there have been countless documentaries over the years.
We put together five true hip-hop stories from the last 10-20 years that could be adapted into compelling feature films, documentaries, or TV series. We have more to add to the list but we don’t want to overwhelm ya’ll, ha!
When it comes down to it, these stories and wish list projects cover a broad spectrum of hip-hop culture, from rivalries and legal battles to personal growth and industry-shifting moments. Each offers an opportunity to explore the highs, lows, and the deeper human experiences behind some of the biggest names and events in hip-hop over the last two decades. Let’s get to it.
1. Drake vs. Meek Mill
Type: Documentary Feature Film
Proposed Synopsis: The highly publicized rap battle between Drake and Meek Mill, created one of the biggest rap feuds of the decade before the great Drizzy, Kendrick battle of course. A documentary film would explore the rise of their rivalry, its effect on their careers, and their eventual reconciliation, collaborations and impact on the culture at large.
2. Tekashi 6ix9ine’s Legal Trouble and Snitching Scandal
Type: Feature Film Narrative
Proposed Synopsis: The rise and meteoric fall of Tekashi 6ix9ine, from his jarring and highly controversial social media persona to his legal troubles, and his not so shocking decision to cooperate with the government and ultimately testify against his former business partners, cohorts and gang members. This project would create a gripping narrative about fame, betrayal, and the consequences of playing a game he probably was never built for. There’s already a good Tekashi doc, so a feature film narrative that captures that moment may be the way to go.
3. Mac Miller
Type: Documentary or Feature Film Narrative
Story: The celebrated life and untimely tragic death of Mac Miller that explores his influence on hip-hop and pop culture. A documentary or biopic could examine his struggles with addiction, his evolution as an artist and the impact of his musical legacy and the timeline of his unfortunate passing. A feature film documentary may be fitting but a narrative snapshot would be something to see in our opinions.
4. Jay-Z and “Tidal”
Type: Documentary Feature Film
Story: Jay-Z’s acquisition of Tidal and his efforts to challenge Spotify and Apple Music in the streaming wars could be a compelling business and cultural story. The series could examine the rise of streaming platforms and Jay-Z’s vision to empower artists and reshape the music industry. This one may be important with how not how we consume content, specifically music but how one mogul took on the heavyweights and exited bigger and better than he arrived.
5. Cardi B’s Rise to Success
Type: Limited Scripted Series
Story: Cardi B’s journey from a polarizing reality TV and social media star to Grammy-winning rap sensation who redefined the landscape for female rappers. This should be a limited scripted series that tells a story of perseverance, hustle, and authenticity. The narrative should explore her rise from the Bronx, how she shaped her public persona, and the challenges she faced in breaking into the male-dominated hip-hop world all the way to “Bodak Yellow.” We’d probably stop it there tbh. Nice way to end of a super high note.
So what ya’ll think about the first five stories? They cover a broad spectrum of hip-hop culture, from rivalries and legal battles to personal growth and industry-shifting moments. Each offers an opportunity to explore the highs, lows, and the deeper human experiences behind some of the biggest names and events in hip-hop over the last two decades. Now all we have to do is see who wants to produce them. Maybe we should look into that … Hmm.
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