Today, we've learned that the American remake of THE INTOUCHABLES, a 2011 Golden Globe nominated French film directed by both Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano, will be getting a title change. According to an announcement made by the Weinstein Company on Wednesday, the new film, which stars Bryan Cranston and Kevin Hart, will now be called THE UPSIDE.
Hart has come aboard the film to fulfill the role of Dell Scott, an ex-con who becomes the caregiver to Bryan Cranston’s Phillip Lacasse, a Park Avenue billionaire left paralyzed after a hang-gliding accident. The film will concentrate on the unlikely friendship that forms between the two men, and how being given another chance at life could be the best gift you'll ever receive.
Not long ago, director Neil Burger commented on the film by saying, "The film is about two people giving life a second chance and learning to connect through small acts of respect and compassion. We’re all very proud of the movie and especially the performances of these two brilliant actors who have amazing chemistry together. The whole team behind the film is incredibly eager for audiences to experience this very funny, heartfelt story.”
Acting alongside Kevin Hart and Bryan Cranston for this emotional tale will be actors Nicole Kidman, Genevieve Angelson, and Aja Naomi King. THE UPSIDE wrapped on its filming process earlier this year in the New York and Philidelphia areas. Now expected to make its debut at the Toronto Film Festival as a part of its Gala Presentation, the Weinstein company is hoping that a positive reception to the film will create a buzz and put more asses in the seats come March 9, 2018 when the movie arrives in theaters.
Recently, Kevin Hart stated, "I am so excited to play this character. He is a character that is in the prison of his own making. He feels that the system is not only holding him back but that it refuses to give him a fair shot. Learning to care for others and other people’s needs is what ultimately changes him.” We hope you've enjoyed this week's episode of Deep Thoughts with Kevin Hart.
Truthfully, I'm thankful as hell that the powers that be have seen fit to change this film's title. For me, THE INTOUCHABLES has an awkward air to it, not to mention that it rings far-too-close to THE UNTOUCHABLES, Brian De Palma's 1987 mobster classic. But I digress, THE UPSIDE will debut in theaters on March 9, 2018.