Kevin Hart joins The Great Outdoors reboot for Universal Pictures

Last Updated on July 31, 2021

Words cannot express how much I miss both the dramatic and comedic stylings of the late John Candy. PLANES, TRAINS & AUTOMOBILES is hands-down one of my favorite films of all time, I'm also quite partial to several of Mr. Candy's other cinematic gems like UNCLE BUCK, DELIRIOUS, and WHO'S HARRY CRUMB? For my money, that man was worth his weight in comedy gold. That being said, I think that perhaps you can now appreciate how much my curiosity was piqued when it was announced that Universal Pictures has plans to reboot the 1988 John Hughes-scripted, John Candy and Dan Aykroyd classic THE GREAT OUTDOORS.

Today, Deadline Hollywood is reporting that Universal has attached Kevin Hart to star in a reboot of the nightmare-family-member, bald-assed-bear and tasty testicle comedy with Randall Green on writing duties. Michael De Luca is producing for Michael De Luca Productions with Hart through his Hartbeat Productions label.

For those of you who don't recall, THE GREAT OUTDOORS told the hilarious tale of when a Chicago man's hope for a peaceful family vacation in the woods is shattered when the annoying in-laws drop in. Those who've seen the film will likely remember it for Candy's clever prat falls, Aykroyd's silver tongued lies, and a ferocious bear with an ass the size of two full moons.

So far, Hart is the only star set to appear in the film, though I'm sure we'll be hearing more details real soon as the ball is now rolling on what I hope to be is a worthy re-imagining of the original.

Who would you cast alongside Kevin Hart in THE GREAT OUTDOORS reboot? Let us know in the comments section below. 

Also, be sure to catch Kevin Hart when he lends his voice to the character of George Beard for the animated family comedy CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS: THE FIRST EPIC MOVIE when it soars into theaters beginning on June 2, 2017.