John Cena is cementing his status as Hollywood’s go-to action comedy star.
The “Ricky Stanicky” actor co-leads Paul Feig‘s latest comedy, “Jackpot!,” alongside Awkwafina. The film follows multi-billion dollar jackpot lottery winner Katie (Awkwafina) who must survive until sunset to collect her winnings. The only issue? In a “Squid Game”-meets-“The Purge” turn of events, the whole world is trying to murder her. Enter amateur lottery protection agent Noel Cassidy (John Cena), who must get Katie to sundown in exchange for a piece of her prize.
Simu Liu, Ayden Mayeri, Donald Elise Watkins, Murray Hill, and Britney Spears’ ex Sam Asghari also star.
Feig previously directed other beloved action comedies like “The Heat” and “Spy.” Feig produces “Jackpot!” with Joe Roth, Jeff Kirschenbaum, and Laura Fischer. Actor Cena, Michelle Morrissey, Zack Roth, and screenwriter Rob Yescombe executive produce.
The official synopsis reads: In the near future, a ‘Grand Lottery’ has been newly established in California – the catch: kill the winner before sundown to legally claim their multi-billion dollar jackpot. When Katie Kim (Awkwafina) moves to Los Angeles, she mistakenly finds herself with the winning ticket. Desperate to survive the hordes of jackpot hunters, she reluctantly joins forces with amateur lottery protection agent Noel Cassidy (Cena) who will do everything in his power to get her to sundown in exchange for a piece of her prize. However, Noel must face off with his slick rival Louis Lewis (Liu), who also seeks to collect Katie’s commission at all costs.
And “Jackpot!” is launching its own lottery IRL: One lucky winner will receive a 10 ounce gold bar, cash, and enough Buffalo Wild Wings for a decade, which is valued at over $35,000. For the official rules, visit TheJackpotJackpot.com.
While Feig is helming “Jackpot!,” his “Bridesmaids” cast is still holding out for a long-awaited sequel. Melissa McCarthy, who is a longtime Feig collaborator, told People magazine that she “would do a ‘Bridesmaids’ sequel this afternoon, right now” in 2023.
“That group of women was the most magical thing ever,” McCarthy said of her co-stars Kristen Wiig, Rose Byrne, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Rebel Wilson, and Ellie Kemper. “Almost all of us were really good friends already. I think it was such a magical time.”
“Jackpot!” premieres August 15 on Prime Video. Check out the trailer below.
