Henry Cavill is set to star alongside Kevin Hart in an upcoming, untitled spy action-comedy for Netflix.
Both stars have built strong ties with the streaming giant after appearing in several of its major projects. However, Hart recently faced intense backlash over jokes made during “The Roast of Kevin Hart,” particularly Tony Hinchcliffe’s controversial remark about George Floyd.
The comedian later defended the roast format while admitting that the joke wasn’t a particularly “tasteful” one for the Black community.
Netflix is pairing two of Hollywood’s biggest and most physically contrasting stars for its next major blockbuster. According to Variety, Cavill is officially set to star alongside Hart in an upcoming spy action-comedy for the streaming giant.
The film, based on a short story by Sean Lewis, follows two elite rival secret agents who are completely unaware of each other’s true identities. Their worlds collide when their pregnant wives become fast friends, forcing the two espionage experts to cross paths in a Lamaze breathing class.
An early synopsis states that “their double lives collide in unexpectedly hilarious and dangerous ways, forcing the two men to reluctantly become confidantes and partners on the road to fatherhood.”
Netflix Lines Up Major Names Behind The Spy Comedy
Netflix has seemingly assembled a powerhouse team to bring the comedy to life. Reports suggest Shawn Levy’s 21 Laps and Ryan Reynolds’ Maximum Effort will produce the film, while McG, known for movies like “Charlie’s Angels” and “This Means War,” is set to direct.
The script is being penned by Adam and Aaron Nee, whose credits include “Masters of the Universe” and “The Lost City,” alongside Jonathan Tropper, known for “The Adam Project” and “Banshee.”
In addition to starring in the film, Hart is also set to produce through his HartBeat banner.
Henry Cavill And Kevin Hart Already Have Major Netflix Ties
Cavill and Hart are major draws for Netflix and are no strangers to the platform’s formula for viral hits. The “Man of Steel” actor previously led the fantasy hit “The Witcher” and also played Sherlock Holmes in the “Enola Holmes” franchise alongside Millie Bobby Brown.
Interestingly, Cavill recently admitted to Heat magazine that while he feels he is now “too old” to play James Bond, he would jump at the chance to play a Bond villain. This Netflix project will let him flex those spy muscles, albeit with a comedic twist instead.
Hart, meanwhile, has become a regular presence in Netflix’s feature film division. He has headlined several major streaming projects, including the action film “Lift,” “The Man From Toronto,” “Me Time,” and the drama “Fatherhood.”
Kevin Hart Faced Heat After Controversial Roast Joke
Last month, Hart came under intense backlash over what many viewers saw as offensive jokes made during his Netflix special, “The Roast of Kevin Hart.”
As is customary during roasts, several celebrities and comedians, including Tom Brady, Draymond Green, Teyana Taylor, Lizzo, and others, took turns throwing digs at the actor.
However, the show drew criticism from fans after Tony Hinchcliffe made a joke referencing George Floyd, who was killed by police in 2020.
“The Black community is so proud of you,” Hinchcliffe said of Hart, per The Hollywood Reporter. “Right now, George Floyd is looking up at us all laughing so hard he can’t breathe.”
Kevin Hart Defends Roast Format After Backlash
During an appearance on “The Breakfast Club” later that month, Hart admitted that the joke left a sour taste in the audience’s mouth, but defended himself by explaining that such moments are common in roasts.
“Yeah, the George Floyd joke, it wasn’t a tasteful joke to our culture, to our audience, but our audience that’s watching the roast, if you’re watching the roast, you get why they’re doing it. You get why the racial humor is on the table,” he said.
Hart was then asked if he thought the joke went “too far,” to which he replied, “It’s Tony Hinchcliffe. I don’t expect less. I don’t expect more.”
“Tony Hinchcliffe arguably had the best set or one of the best sets,” he said. “Pete [Davidson] had a great set, too. Pete had a Charlie Kirk joke in it. Like, would I tell those jokes? No. But do I get why they’re being told? Yes. I’m not looking at Pete crazy. I’m not looking at Tony… That’s what I know you’re going to do. I know your style of comedy.”