Save this article to read it later.
Find this story in your accountsSaved for Latersection.
IsThe UpsideKevin Harts Oscar Movie?Vanity Fairasked out of Toronto.
But over the 16 months since its debut on the prestige-film circuit,The Upsidehas faced much dysfunction.
But its bumpy journey to the screen still wasnt over.
Its like a roller-coaster ride, right?
During production, the whole thing was going down on the roller coaster the most fun part.
In 2013, Feig dropped out and was eventually replaced by Neil Burger (Divergent, 2011sLimitless).
Because he believed in himself enough to know, Listen, I donthaveto do this.
I can go make these comedies for the next 20 years.
He told me heneededto do it.
And from January to April 2017, filming took place in and around Philadelphia.
The movie came in on time and under budget.
Hart deeply impressed Cranston with his preparation and seriousness of intent, according to those on set.
We said, Harvey, Sony has locked him up.
They are not going to allow Kevin to have a movie released or promote that movie beforeJumanji.
Theyve made it very clear and theyve paid for it, Blumenthal recalls.
And Harveys response was, Fuck em.
Because every single time before that, Harvey was able to strong-arm and get his way, right?
So, Harvey still thought, Fuck it.
Ill call their bluff.
Ill book it at Toronto.
Well get Nicole there.
Well get Bryan there.
If Kevin doesnt show up, hes an idiot.
How could he not come to Toronto?
This is the best film hes ever been in, maybe ever will be in.
Quite frankly, he didnt show up.
And he didnt show up because Sony forbid him to show up.
Now Harvey is Osama bin Laden and hes in in charge of my movie!
We were inextricably linked because we were the last movie he actually physically made.
Its like, Are they going to declare bankruptcy or are they not going to declare bankruptcy?
There was so much uncertainty at that time.
We knew that we were the only asset that had any value that was left in their pipeline.
So it wasnt easy.
And a month later, STX Entertainment swooped in to rescueThe Upsidefrom distribution oblivion.
This is a hilariously funny and emotionally affecting film, STX Films chairman Adam Fogelson said in a statement.
The news was greeted with nothing short of jubilation by theUpsideproducers.
Im like, What?
Oh, my God.
Finally, a win forThe Upside.
Finally, some upside forThe Upside.
Even though were going to come out before the Academy Awards, this is unbelievable.
Making matters worse, Hart initially refused to apologize.
I chose to pass.
I passed on the apology.
The reason I passed is because Ive addressed this several times.
Im over it, he said.)
For his part, Blumenthal immediately registered that decisions impact on the films bottom line.
Now theyre swarming after Kevin like its a zombie apocalypse, Blumenthal says.
Now Ive got flashbacks to Harvey being the most hated man in the world.
It just happened so quickly that I literally needed a neck brace.
It was fucking whiplash all over again.
I ask the producer if there is a takeaway from the films surreal ordeal.
Some kind of teachable moment.
Some received wisdom about Hollywood?
In a word: no.
Behind the monitor on set onThe Upsidewas one of the best experiences I ever had.
Three of the best actors between Nicole, Kevin, and Bryan.
An amazing working relationship with Neil Burger.
That wasnt the problem.
