January 10, 2017
Philly’s own Kevin Hart is getting ready to shoot another of his trademark buddy films, and this time right in his own back yard.
Last fall, it was announced that Hart, along with longtime "Breaking Bad" star Bryan Cranston, would be starring in a remake of the 2011 French comedy-drama, "The Intouchables," with production starting in Philadelphia in early February.
Now, the film, which was previously known as "The Untouchables," has a new name: "Untouchable," the Greater Philadelphia Film Office told PhillyVoice Monday. The project remains on track to begin shooting next month, officials said.
The Weinstein Company, which is producing the film, did not reply to an e-mailed request for comment.
Described as a comedy/drama, the film tells the story of a black man from the projects who’s hired as the caretaker for a wealthy, white aristocrat after the latter man becomes paralyzed. Omar Sy and François Cluzet played the two lead roles in the French version, which has become one of that country's most popular movies.
In addition, Deadline.com reported Monday that Nicole Kidman and Amara Karan (from HBO’s “The Night Of”) are in talks to join the cast of "The Intouchables" remake.
The name change isn’t the biggest surprise, as it was likely made to avoid confusion. "The Untouchables" was originally the 1987 crime classic directed by Brian De Palma, starring Kevin Costner, Sean Connery and Robert De Niro, which was itself adapted from a novel and TV series of the same name.
"Untouchable" is being directed by Neil Burger, who previously made another film set partially in Philly – the 2011 Bradley Cooper thriller, "Limitless." He also directed "Divergent" and "The Illusionist."
Side note: While his 2016 concert film, “Kevin Hart: What Now,” was filmed at Lincoln Financial Field, “Untouchable” is the first major feature film that he’s shot in his hometown. And while Cranston may lack local ties, he was once photographed on the set of "Breaking Bad" in a Phillies jersey.
