“It’s the Jackie Chan movie I always wanted to make”: Paul Feig, John Cena, Awkwafina and Simu Liu on Jackpot!

Full of big personalities, Jackpot! is described as the summer comedy we all need. Ahead of its release on Prime Video, Paul Feig, John Cena, Awkwafina and Simu Liu talked us through their new action comedy.

No stranger to this beloved, easy-watch genre, director of Spy (2015) and The Heat (2013), Feig, explained how Jackpot! offered him the chance to depict a “fun, silly, but also emotional story about somebody in over their head”. “Myself and Awkwafina were both on the same page,” said Feig. “We both wanted to make sure it felt real and grounded (…) but also relatable, and I think we did that.”

John Cena discussed playing his character Noel. Being the well-doer bodyguard falls into his sweet spot following his WWE legacy and previous comedy acting roles. “Another day in the office,” said Cena. “I don’t think there’s anyone better to play an amateur protection agent than me.”

The legacy of Cena’s days in the ring is always scattered through his acting roles. “I always want to do as much of the activity as possible, and what I loved about a lot of the action in this film is that it’s comical but it’s also realistic,” said Cena. Excited by Feig’s desire to make a Jackie Chan movie, Cena explained, “When you look at the way Jackie Chan tells a story, he choreographs a fight when he gets on set, so he’ll see the audio guy, or a bottle of water, or a loose chair, and he’ll incorporate all of that into the action, and I think the team did an incredible job on that.”

Awkwafina also admitted that not only did she kick a lot of ass, but the movie also kickstarted her fitness journey. “It was important for me to work with the wider team and my amazing stunt double, and also with John too. I really appreciate the way he handles action scenes, and is really concerned with safety, so I felt very safe.”

Far from his heroic character in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021), viewers are treated to watching Simu Liu take on an antagonist role. Lui seems to relish playing the bad guy, Louis Lewis, or a “really solid and ambitious entrepreneur” as Lui describes him. “He’s kind of a boss, he has the money and the resources to hire out billboards and a whole compound full of staff.”

However, it seems Liu did carry over his master of weaponry-based Kung Fu title from the MCU to his role in Jackpot!, outshining both Awkwafina and Cena in the stunt department, performing 90%-95% of his own action shots. Though speaking too soon, Liu recalls sending a stunt double to the hospital after a misplaced kick.

Reminiscing on the excitement of having superstar Machine Gun Kelly make an appearance in the film: “He was great,” said Feig. “I thought he was spectacular because he didn’t take himself too seriously and he was very open to trying jokes – he was fantastic.” “He was super warm and funny,” agreed Awkwafina.

Feig concluded that his goal when directing the movie was to just make “something dedicated to letting you laugh. I couldn’t be prouder of this movie and I think it’s exactly what we need right now.” Awkwafina expanded on this, also acknowledging, “There’s a lot of things at play and messages which go beyond the broad action comedy world – there’s a lot of heart and emotion.”

Cena also highlighted the creative and relaxed environment on set and his love for his cast members. The chemistry among the cast, coupled with Feig’s vision and direction, have resulted in a movie that delivers on both laughs and more tender moments. Whether it’s the slapstick action inspired by Jackie Chan, the comedic timing of Awkwafina or the conniving energy of Simu Liu’s villain, Jackpot! offers a bit of everything for everyone.

Olivia Gardener

Jackpot! is released on Prime Video on 15^th August 2024.

Watch the trailer for Jackpot! here: