After a year filled with ups and downs for both Josh Gad (1600 Penn, Book of Mormon) and Kevin Hart (Think Like a Man, Let Me Explain), the two will be pairing up to star in a currently untitled comedy for Screen Gems and Miramax. Though it centers on a tired premise, this film will provide an opportunity for both actors to prove themselves in lead roles.
Earlier in May it was announced that Gad’s NBC series 1600 Penn was canceled after suffering low ratings. However, since then Zach Braff has revealed that Gad will be playing the brother of the main character in the upcoming Kisckstarter-funded film’ Wish I was Here’. On the other hand, Kevin Hart finally reached a national audience earlier this year when he successfully hosted Saturday Night Live. Though Hart was charged with a DUI in May, his fans can expect to find him in his concert film Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain in theaters next month.
For the untitled comedy, Gad will play a socially challenged groom who finds himself without a best man for his wedding. Hart has been cast as the charismatic guy working for a ‘best man services” who is hired by Gad. Things start to unravel when Gad’s character goes so far as to attempt to create fictional friends and nine additional groomsmen for the ceremony. Though the film unfortunately offers hints of predictability, those familiar with Gad’s awkward humor and Hart’s intense presence may be opportunistic about the project’s potential. Hopefully, the two mens’ chemistry on screen in these lead roles will separate this film from the likes of Hitch, I Give It a Year, and I Love You, Man.
Another reason to keep this comedy on your radar is because it will be helmed by Jeremy Garelick making his feature directorial debut. Best known for writing The Break-up along with Jay Lavender, who will also co-write this, Garelick brings a sense of adult drama to the table. Garelick is also set to direct the upcoming project Sick Day, currently in development.