Kevin Hart Returns to Netflix with ’72 Hours’ and a High-Stakes Roast
Kevin Hart is maintaining his streak of Netflix dominance with two major projects: the upcoming comedy film 72 Hours and the recently concluded, star-studded The Roast of Kevin Hart. From crashing Gen Z bachelor parties to facing off against his longest-running comedy rival, Hart continues to lean into the generational and professional frictions that define his brand of humor.
- New Film: 72 Hours follows a 40-year-old executive who crashes a Miami bachelor party to save his career.
- Creative Team: Directed by Tim Story, marking a reunion between the director and Hart after Ride Along.
- The Roast: The Roast of Kevin Hart served as the finale for the Netflix Is A Joke Fest.
- Major Resolution: The event featured a surprise appearance by Katt Williams, effectively ending a decade-long public feud.
’72 Hours’: A Comedy of Generational Friction
In 72 Hours, Kevin Hart plays Joe, a 40-year-old advertising executive facing a flailing career. The plot is set in motion when Joe is accidentally added to a group text intended for a group of Gen Z twenty-somethings planning a bachelor party weekend in Miami.
Rather than ignoring the mistake, Joe sees a strategic opportunity to conduct “market research” on the younger generation to revitalize his professional standing. He decides to crash the three-day trip, leading to a collision of digital-age social anxieties and generational misunderstandings as Joe attempts to keep up with a group operating on a completely different wavelength.
Cast and Production
The film is directed by Tim Story, who previously collaborated with Hart on Ride Along. The ensemble cast features:
- Marcello Hernández
- Mason Gooding
- Teyana Taylor
- Andy Garcia
The movie was produced under Hart’s Hartbeat banner in partnership with Will Packer and Davis Entertainment.
The Roast of Kevin Hart: A ‘No-Holds-Barred’ Finale
Beyond the silver screen, Hart recently headlined The Roast of Kevin Hart, which streamed live from the Kia Forum on May 10, 2026. The event served as the grand finale to the Netflix Is A Joke Fest.
Hosted by Shane Gillis, the three-hour special lived up to Hart’s “brutal or nothing” mandate. The lineup included heavy hitters such as Jeff Ross, Chelsea Handler, Pete Davidson, and Regina Hall. Sheryl Underwood delivered a standout performance that earned a standing ovation, while Tom Brady made a surprise appearance to “return the favor” after Hart hosted Brady’s roast in 2024.
The End of a Decade-Long Rivalry
The most significant moment of the night was the appearance of Katt Williams, marking the official end of a public rivalry that spanned ten years. Introduced by Regina Hall, Williams delivered a biting set that mocked Hart’s height and claimed Hart was an “industry plant.”
Williams further joked that the roast was his own “Riyadh Comedy Festival” and poked fun at Hart’s close ties to Netflix leadership. The evening concluded with a “surgical” rebuttal from Hart, capping off a night dedicated to skewering his career milestones and personal traits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the plot of ’72 Hours’?
The film follows Joe, a 40-year-old advertising executive who accidentally joins a Gen Z group chat and crashes their Miami bachelor party to conduct market research and save his career.
Who directed ’72 Hours’?
The movie was directed by Tim Story, who also directed Hart in Ride Along.
Who hosted The Roast of Kevin Hart?
The event was hosted by comedian Shane Gillis.
Did Katt Williams appear on the roast?
Yes, Katt Williams appeared on the roast, using the platform to joke about Hart’s height and career while effectively ending their decade-long public feud.
As Hart balances his role as a leading man in comedy films and a target for the industry’s sharpest wits, his partnership with Netflix continues to redefine the reach of modern stand-up and scripted comedy.