Paul Feig has heard the calls for a sequel to his 2015 hit “Spy,” but while there are no current plans for “Spy 2,” Feig is ready to entertain audiences with a new action comedy. Titled “Jackpot,” this film is set to premiere on Prime Video on August 15.
“Jackpot” offers a unique twist on the classic lottery tale, reminiscent of Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery,” but with a comedic and action-packed spin. The story follows Katie, played by Awkwafina, a new resident of Los Angeles who accidentally ends up with a winning lottery ticket. However, this isn’t just any lottery. In the economically challenged California of the near future, the Grand Lottery allows anyone to claim the prize if they kill the ticket holder by sundown.
Katie’s life takes a chaotic turn as she becomes the target of numerous adversaries. To survive, she teams up with Noel, portrayed by John Cena, an amateur jackpot protector. Together, they navigate a day filled with danger and unexpected challenges, including facing off against Louis Lewis, a rival jackpot protector played by Simu Liu, who is determined to claim the commission from Katie’s win.
Feig describes “Jackpot” as the Jackie Chan movie he always wished he could make. He admires Chan’s portrayal of an everyman caught in unwanted situations, emphasizing panicked fighting over cool, calculated action. Feig’s approach to action is character-driven and plot-advancing, always finding humor in ordinary people thrust into extraordinary circumstances.
Awkwafina’s character, Katie, is designed to be relatable to the audience. Feig explains that she represents the viewers, who find themselves in her shoes, suddenly caught in a life-threatening situation. Her everyday qualities contrast with the more action-star personas of Cena and Liu, who bring their own quirks to the roles, adding to the film’s humor.
John Cena’s character, Noel, is a grounded, sweet, and slightly nerdy giant whose primary goal is to protect his clients. Feig notes that Cena brings a lovely presence to the role, avoiding the typical macho action-star trope. The film’s first images, exclusively revealed by Entertainment Weekly, show Katie fighting off attackers while on Noel’s back, highlighting the film’s blend of action and comedy.
Feig’s signature style combines action, comedy, and a touch of elegance. The Grand Lottery’s rules, which prohibit the use of guns, appealed to Feig, who prefers primal survival scenarios over gunplay. He aims to keep the film fun and ridiculous while maintaining real stakes and believable characters in extreme situations.
The film’s cast includes Ayden Mayeri, Donald Elise Watkins, Sam Asghari, and Murray Hill. The screenplay, written by Rob Yescombe, is his second feature script, following “Outside the Wire.” “Jackpot” is produced by Feig, Joe Roth, Jeff Kirschenbaum, and Laura Fischer, with John Cena, Michelle Morrissey, Rob Yescombe, and Zack Roth serving as executive producers.
The official synopsis from Amazon MGM Studios describes “Jackpot” as set in a near-future California where the Grand Lottery allows anyone to claim the multi-billion dollar jackpot by killing the winner before sundown. Katie, a struggling actress, finds herself with the winning ticket and must survive the day with the help of Noel, who seeks a piece of her prize. Noel faces competition from Louis Lewis, who also wants to collect Katie’s commission.
The trailer for “Jackpot” showcases the film’s blend of action and comedy. In one scene, Cena’s character explains the Grand Lottery’s deadly rules to Katie, who is shocked by the concept of legal murder. The film promises a mix of humor, action, and high stakes, with Katie and Noel navigating a dangerous and absurd world.
Feig, known for his work on “Bridesmaids,” “The Heat,” and “A Simple Favor,” continues to push the boundaries of comedy and action. In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Feig emphasized the importance of taking chances with edgier offerings in comedy, advocating for the honesty and realism that R-rated comedies can provide.
“Jackpot” is set to be a thrilling and entertaining addition to Feig’s filmography, combining his love for character-driven action and comedy with a unique and engaging premise. Fans can look forward to its global premiere on Prime Video on August 15.
Source: Entertainment Weekly, The Hollywood Reporter
