Kevin Hart’s New Heist Movie
BY PHILLIPE THAO AND JOHN DILILLO
JAN. 12, 2024
Kevin Hart has a very lucrative proposition for you. The multi-hyphenate comedy star is in the market for a few recruits. Anyone interested in stealing about 500 million dollars’ worth of gold? No pressure.
In the new film from director F. Gary Gray (Friday, Set It Off, The Italian Job, The Fate of the Furious, Straight Outta Compton, Pump it Up), a band of expert criminals is recruited to prevent a terrorist attack by doing what they do best — robbing the rich. It’s a simple Lift, nothing complicated. Other than the fact that the heist will take place on a plane in mid-flight. Call it some unexpected turbulence.
For Hart, Lift was an opportunity to stretch his wings (pun intended) — it’s a more dramatic role than the comedy superstar is typically known for. “Taking on the role of an action hero and heist boss like Cyrus has been a non-stop thrill ride for me,” Hart told Netflix. “Teaming up with F. Gary Gray, who’s directed some of my all-time favorite action movies, and working with this unbelievable ensemble elevated the whole experience to another level.”
Lift is now streaming on Netflix. Find out more about the movie and its cast below.
What is Lift about?
An international heist crew, led by Cyrus Whitaker (Kevin Hart), race to lift $500 million in gold from a passenger plane at 40,000 feet.
“I love the heist genre and the idea of pairing Kevin Hart with a world-class cast,” director Gray told Netflix. “I really felt for his character, Cyrus Whitaker, as he orchestrated an impossible global mission — as a director, tackling the seemingly impossible task of filming a global production is my everyday adventure!”
Kevin Hart
as CYRUS WHITAKER
ABOUT THE CHARACTER
Cyrus is the mastermind of the Lift team, a seasoned thief who finds himself cajoled into working with the government for one last heist. He’s played by world-famous comedian Kevin Hart, in a role that trends towards the more action-oriented persona he’s tested out in films like Central Intelligence.
“Kevin was willing to do whatever it took to embody the character Cyrus Whitaker,” Gray said. “Interestingly, while I prefer rehearsing before shooting a movie, Kevin, who is historically not inclined to do so, being one of the busiest people I’ve ever met, made it a priority. His commitment and investment, I believe, made a significant difference in his performance.”
PREVIOUSLY IN
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Jumanji: The Next Level, Get Hard, Night School, Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie, The Upside
Gugu Mbatha-Raw
as ABBY GLADWELL
ABOUT THE CHARACTER
Interpol agent Abby Gladwell has Cyrus’ number — and she’s reticent to recruit him for a mission with stakes this high. But under her own supervision, she’s convinced to give the scoundrel and his team a chance. She’s played by Gugu Mbatha-Raw, who stole the show as party animal Kelly in Black Mirror’s acclaimed episode “San Junipero.”
“When I read this script, it was just so buoyant,” Mbatha-Raw said. “And for me, to work with an amazing talent and comedian like Kevin Hart was a real draw. It was amazing to learn fight choreography— and you’re not just fighting, but the plane is moving!”
PREVIOUSLY IN
Miss Sloane, Beauty and the Beast, Fast Color, Loki, A Wrinkle in Time
Vincent D’Onofrio
as DENTON
ABOUT THE CHARACTER
Master of disguise Denton is an integral fixture of Cyrus’ crew, and a close friend. The chameleonic criminal is played by an actor with a similar skillset — Emmy-nominatedVincent D’Onofrio, who himself has picked up a few tricks from a magic shop he frequented as a young man.
“Vincent D’Onofrio is a bonafide legend,” Gray told Netflix. “His paternal influence on the cast impacted how they showed up and performed, it really comes through on screen.”
PREVIOUSLY IN
Men in Black, Full Metal Jacket, Jurassic World, Malcolm X, JFK, Strange Days, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Daredevil
When will Lift be on Netflix?
Lift has landed safely on Netflix. Stream it now.