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.