Kevin Hart, a stand-up comic, is one of Hollywood’s most bankable movie stars these days. Hart’s forthcoming Netflix film “Fatherhood,” based on its latest trailer, appears to be a departure from his regular fare.
Hart plays a newly single father in “Fatherhood,” who is trying to figure out how to parent without his child. Although there are some comedic moments in the film, tissues should be kept on hand.
Hart’s first starring role in a “critical” film was in 2019’s “The Upside,” in which he played a newly paroled inmate who was hired to care for a quadriplegic billionaire (Bryan Cranston), and the two developed an unlikely relationship. “The Upside,” which grossed $125 million worldwide, demonstrated that Hart can handle the tougher content.
Here’s what we know so far about one of Kevin Hart’s upcoming Netflix projects.
What Is The Fatherhood Release Date?
On Friday, July 18, 2021, two days before Father’s Day, Netflix will release “Fatherhood.”
It will be more than a year after its original release date before “Fatherhood” is released, and it will be distributed by a different company. Sony Pictures, the film’s first distributor, expected to release “Fatherhood” in theatres on April 3, 2020.
However, Sony pushed “Fatherhood” back to January 18, 2021 after “The Upside” did so well during its premiere during Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend 2019. (via Deadline)
Since the majority of movie theatres in the United States are still closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sony decided to forego a theatrical release and instead sign a deal for “Fatherhood” to be released on Netflix in March (via Variety).
Barack and Michelle Obama joined the project at that stage, presenting “Fatherhood” through their production company, Higher Ground. This will encourage a larger number of people to see the movie before most theatres hammer out a structured reopening schedule.
Who Is In The Fatherhood Cast?
Matthew Logelin, played by Kevin Hart, is based on the real-life author of the book that inspired “Fatherhood.” Maddy, Matthew’s daughter, is played by Melody Hurd.
In addition to Hart, “Fatherhood” has a large supporting cast that includes actors who have appeared in a variety of other comedies. Anthony Carrigan and Lil Rel Howery play Matthew’s best friends Oscar and Jordan, respectively.
Carrigan is best known for his role as NoHo Frank on HBO’s dark comedy “Barry,” while Lil Howery played Rod in “Get Out.” Paul Reiser, who starred in “Crazy About You” and “The Kominsky Method,” is also in the cast, playing a character with the same first name.
As Matthew’s mother and aunt, Alfre Woodard (“Star Trek: First Touch,” “Captain America: Civil War”) and Frankie Faison (“The Silence of the Lambs,” “The Wire”), and DeWanda Wise (“She’s Gotta Have It”), and Swan, respectively, round out the group.
What’s The Story Behind Fatherhood?
“Fatherhood” is based on Matthew Logelin’s 2011 novel, “Two Kisses for Maddy: A Memoir of Loss & Love,” which chronicled his first year as a single father after the tragic and unexpected death of Liz, his wife and the mother of his newborn daughter.
Matthew in “Fatherhood,” like his memoir counterpart, loses his wife one day after their daughter Maddy is born. As a result, Matthew is forced to learn how to be a single parent while mourning the loss of his life partner.
According to the trailer, Matthew seeks assistance from his friends Oscar and Jordan, but he remains in over his head. He returns to Minnesota to live with his parents, who assist him in coming to terms with his loss. Matthew discovers a possible new romantic partner as he begins to move on.
All of this suggests that “Fatherhood” will be a tearjerker, but it is a Kevin Hart film, so expect plenty of laughs as well. It should be a great way to finish a long Father’s Day weekend.
