Kevin Hart may be the veteran leading Netflix's new comedy 72 Hours, but according to the actor, it was the film's younger cast that kept him on his toes. Speaking on the red carpet ahead of the film's July 24 release, Hart reflected on sharing the screen with a new generation of comedians, including Saturday Night Live breakout Marcello Hernández, Mason Gooding, Kam Patterson, and Ben Marshall.
When asked what it was like working with a generation of young comedians, he told HOLA! "It was absolutely amazing." "From day one all the way through the finish, they were hungry comics and hungry comedic actors seizing an opportunity." "It's a great thing to be a part of an R-rated comedy," he said. "It's been some time since we've been back in this space."
The comedian admitted that after decades in Hollywood, the excitement of making a movie can feel different than it once did. Watching his younger co-stars embrace every moment helped him take it to the next level.
"That hunger - that fresh feeling of, 'Oh my God, I can't believe I'm doing a movie' - those are feelings I don't have as much because I've been doing it for so long," Hart said. "But it was refreshing to be around this new generation that has it. It made me just as hungry."
That admiration went both ways. Hernández, who stars alongside Hart in the raunchy comedy, told HOLA! he viewed the experience as an opportunity to learn from one of comedy's biggest names.
"He's much more experienced than I am, so I wanted to learn from him," Hernández shared. "Being around someone like Kevin was incredible. I paid attention to everything he did because I wanted to absorb as much as I could. Working with him was a blessing."
The SNL star also revealed that filming held special meaning because production took place close to his family. "It was really special because we filmed near my family," he said. "My mom and my whole family were nearby, so I was very grateful. Having them there meant a lot to me."
While promoting 72 Hours, Hart also took a moment to congratulate Spain on its recent World Cup victory while showing love to one of soccer's greatest players.
"Congrats to Spain," he said. "An amazing accomplishment. Shouts out to Messi, man. I really wanted to see him get it done. I wanted to see greatness continue to be achieved. I don't know what's next for you in your career, but I'll be watching. I've definitely become a fan of the sport."
Directed by Tim Story, 72 Hours follows a 40-year-old executive who hopes to revive his struggling career after accidentally getting added to a group chat for a bachelor party, leading him to join a chaotic three-day celebration with a group of twenty-somethings.
The Netflix comedy stars Hart, Hernández, Gooding, Patterson, Marshall, Kevin Dunn, Zach Cherry, Teyana Taylor, and Andy Garcia.