June 08, 2022
Colleen Claggett/for PhillyVoice
Actor Adam Sandler appeared on the red carpet for the premiere of 'Hustle' at the Philadelphia Film Center on June 7, 2022. Sandler stars in the Netflix movie that was filmed in the Philly area and hit the streaming platform on Wednesday. The basketball film was co-produced by Sandler's Happy Madison company and LeBron James' The Springhill Company.
The Philadelphia Film Center was packed on Tuesday night for the premiere of "Hustle," the Netflix basketball drama starring Adam Sandler as a determined scout for the Philadelphia 76ers. Filmed in the Philly region during 2020 and 2021, the movie hit the streaming platform on Wednesday, showcasing the city in a way few films have in recent memory.
Sandler, Juancho Hernangómez and several other co-stars graced the red carpet in Center City on Tuesday night for the film's debut. They were joined by director Jeremiah Zagar, Sixers star Tobias Harris and others who made cameos in "Hustle," or were involved in the project.
Filming locations prominently featured in the movie include scenes in Center City, the Italian Market, North Philly, South Philly, Manayunk, Chester, Coatesville and Camden.
Playing basketball scout Stanley Sugerman, Sandler shines in "Hustle" as the trainer of Bo Cruz (played by Hernangómez), an unknown prospect from Spain who flies to the United States for a chance to play in the NBA and change his family's fortune. Sugarman works tirelessly to motivate Cruz, plugging him among Sixers and other NBA executives, with the support of his wife played by Queen Latifah. Cruz's troubling past and the cutthroat nature of the scouting world present hurdles to both he and Sugerman as they form a unique bond in Philadelphia.
The list of cameos in "Hustle" is a who's-who of NBA stars, with small roles and brief appearances by Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Maxey, Matisse Thybulle, Kyle Lowry, Trae Young, Aaron Gordon, Jordan Clarkson, Seth Curry, Kris Middleton and 76ers head coach Doc Rivers, among others.
Director Jeremiah Zagar has strong roots in Philadelphia, where his father, Isaiah, is the artist behind the iconic Magic Gardens on South Street. His mother owns the nearby art space Eyes Gallery.
Below are photos from the red carpet event at the Philadelphia Film Center on Tuesday night.
Adam Sandler's Happy Madison production company teamed up with LeBron James and Maverick Carter of The Springhill Company to produce 'Hustle.'
Colleen Claggett/for PhillyVoice
Adam Sandler and 'Hustle' director Jeremiah Zagar appear together on the red carpet at the film's premiere in Philadelphia.
Colleen Claggett/for PhillyVoice
Adam Sandler was joined by his mother, Judy, on the red carpet for the premiere of 'Hustle' at the Philadelphia Film Center.
Colleen Claggett/for PhillyVoice
NBA player Juancho Hernangómez stars as Spanish basketball prospect Bo Cruz in 'Hustle.'
Colleen Claggett/for PhillyVoice
Philadelphia native and director Jeremiah Zagar appeared at the Philadelphia Film Center for the premiere of 'Hustle.'
Philadelphia 76ers star Tobias Harris is pictured about at the Philadelphia Film Center for the premiere of 'Hustle.'
Colleen Claggett/for PhillyVoice
Former NBA star and current TNT basketball analyst Kenny 'The Jet' Smith has a supporting role as an agent in 'Hustle.'
Colleen Claggett/for PhillyVoice
From left to right, Juancho Hernangómez, Jeremiah Zagar and Kenny Smith appear together at the premiere of 'Hustle' in Philadelphia on June 7, 2022.
Colleen Claggett/for PhillyVoice
'Hustle' screenwriter and executive producer Will Fetters and his wife, Amanda Fetters, were at the film's premier in Philadelphia on Tuesday night.
Colleen Claggett/for PhillyVoice
Rapper and Philly native Tierra Whack made a cameo in 'Hustle' and appeared at the premiere on Tuesday night.
Colleen Claggett/for PhillyVoice
Philadelphia 76ers senior vice president of marketing Brittanie Boyd made a cameo in 'Hustle.'
Colleen Claggett/for PhillyVoice
Former Philadelphia 76ers general manager Billy King made a cameo in 'Hustle.'
Colleen Claggett/for PhillyVoice
Actor Lonnie 'Prime Objective' Harrell made a cameo as a street ball player in 'Hustle'
Colleen Claggett/for PhillyVoice
Actor Christian Crosby made a cameo in 'Hustle.'
Colleen Claggett/for PhillyVoice
CBS Sports Radio Host Maggie Gray and co-host Andrew Perloff, who made a cameo in 'Hustle,' were at the film's premiere in Philadelphia.
Colleen Claggett/for PhillyVoice
Former Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Micky Morandini attended the 'Hustle' premiere at the Philadelphia Film Center.
Colleen Claggett/for PhillyVoice
Former Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Greg Luzinski made an appearance at the Netflix premier of 'Hustle' in Center City.
Colleen Claggett/for PhillyVoice
