Kevin Hart inks first-look Netflix deal
David Farnor | On 12, Jan 2021
Kevin Hart and his HartBeat Production banner have entered in a new partnership with Netflix.
The multi-year agreement will make Netflix the exclusive home for four feature films starring and produced by the actor, producer, writer and comedian, whose movies have grossed more than $4 billion at the global box office. Hart will also have a first-look film deal for his HartBeat Productions banner.
Founded by Hart, HartBeat Productions is a multi-platform production company. HartBeat’s first film was 2018’s Night School which made over $100 million worldwide. Other projects include Dave, London Hughes comedy special Catch a D*ck, Celebrity Game Face on E! and The Next Level and Hart of the City”on Comedy Central.
Hart says: “Partnering with Netflix is an amazing opportunity for HartBeat and myself. I am excited to act in and produce cutting edge films with Netflix. I am extremely grateful to Ted Sarandos and Scott Stuber, we share the same creative vision and always put the audience first. This business is about growth and my HartBeat team continues to exceed my expectations with their ability to develop stories and relationships. Our goal is to make the HartBeat name synonymous with first-class entertainment and narratives.”
Scott Stuber, head of Netflix’s original film arm, adds: “Netflix has enjoyed a long relationship with Kevin and we’ve been lucky enough to partner with him many times. He’s a hands-on producer and it’s been great to watch him build an incredible company with HartBeat. There are very few artists who can attract audiences of all ages and succeed in making comedies, dramas and family films. We’re excited to partner with Kevin, and his great team at Hartbeat, to entertain our audience for years to come.”
Hart’s latest stand-up special Zero F*cks Given was the most popular Netflix comedy special of 2020, with more than 21 million accounts choosing to watch it in the first four weeks after it premiered. Hart is slated to star in and executive produce the recently-announced Netflix scripted limited series True Story, produced by HartBeat Productions and Eric Newman (Narcos and Narcos: Mexico), marking Hart’s first dramatic series debut.