Universal has brought on superstarKevin Hartto star in theircomedy rebootof the 1988 comedyThe Great Outdoors, which starred Dan Aykroyd and John Candy. This comes just days after news broke that Disney had actually approachedKevin Hartto play the genie in theirAladdinreboot before Will Smith. Kevin Hart will also produce through his Hartbeat Productions alongside Michael De Luca and his production company.
Deadlinereports that Randall Green (Billions) has come aboard to write the script, although no details were given about this new version of the story. Theoriginal comedycentered on a Chicago family man (John Candy) who takes his wife (Stephanie Faracy) and sons (Chris Young, Ian Giatti) on a lakeshore vacation. Their trip is upended with the surprise arrival of their snobby in-laws (Dan Aykryod and Annette Benning) and their kids (Hilary Gordon and Rebecca Gordon).
The original movie was directed by Howard Deutch from a script byJohn Landis, earning $41.4 million at the box office during its theatrical run in 1988. Elishia Holmes of Michael De Luca Productions developed the pitch and will be overseeing the project for the production company, along with Universal executive vice president Mark Sourian and creative executive Lexi Barta. The studio hasn’t given word on when production may begin, or if they are currently seeking directors for this comedy remake.
As for whoKevin Hartcould team up with inThe Great Outdoors,Dwayne Johnsoncould certainly be the perfect choice, especially since they have already teamed up with great success onCentral Intelligenceand on the upcomingJumanjiremake. Still, there is no indication that The Rock is even interested in the role, or if he has a potential opening in his schedule that would make this project feasible to join. Regardless, with Kevin Hart now attached to star, things could be put together quite quickly for this comedy remake.
Writer Randall Green currently writes for the Showtime seriesBillions, and he made the Black List in 2014 with two separate scripts,Cartoon GirlandThe Swimsuit Issue, both of which are currently in various stages of development. He also recently wrote the live actionScooby-Dooremake for Warner Bros. Kevin Hart is coming off a big 2016, where he starred inRide Along 2,Central IntelligenceandThe Secret Life of Pets. He will next be seen inJumanji, and he also voices a role inCaptain Underpants. Hopefully we’ll hear Great Outdoorssoon.
