In Hollywood, no one has a hotter track record when it comes to broad studio comedies than Kevin Hart, but the “Ride Along” star isn’t content to stop there. In an effort to showcase his range as an actor, Hart is signing on to star opposite Bryan Cranston in The Weinstein Company’s remake of the 2011 French dramedy “The Intouchables,” an individual familiar with the project told TheWrap.
Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano directed the original movie, which grossed $416 million overseas. Simon Curtis will direct the English-language remake, having worked with TWC on “My Week With Marilyn” and “Woman in Gold.”
The story follows a wealthy aristocrat (Cranston) who becomes a paraplegic following an accident and hires an African-American caregiver (Hart).
Colin Firth and Chris Tucker were initially approached to star in the “Intouchables” remake, though Cranston and Hart seem a better fit. The project is an important one for Hart as he aims to spread his wings and show the world what he can do as a dramatic actor.
Hart next stars opposite Dwayne Johnson in New Line’s summer comedy “Central Intelligence.” He also voices one of the leads in Illumination’s animated movie “The Secret Life of Pets,” and is slated to return for “Ride Along 3,” which is currently being written by Matt Manfredi and Phil Hay.
Cranston is coming off an Oscar nomination for his fiery work in “Trumbo.” He next stars as Lyndon B. Johnson in the HBO movie “All the Way.” He’s currently filming the 20th Century Fox comedy “Why Him?” with James Franco.
UTA represents Cranston, Curtis and Hart, who is also repped by 3 Arts.