CASTING NEWS: Chris Tucker, Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart

Posted by | Ray Cornelius

Chris Tucker is having somewhat of a career revival these days. Not only did he return to his first love of stand up last fall, he is also gearing up to host this year’s BET Awards on June 30. Better than that, he is returning the big screen in a new comedy titled “Second Honeymoon.”

According to Indie Wire, the “Second Honeymoon” follows a married couple who return to Antigua on their second honeymoon in an effort to spice things up. However, the legacy they left ten years ago comes back to haunt both of them, and before they know it, the trip is less about trying to reconnect with their younger, wilder selves and more about trying to get off the island alive.

Tucker will play one-half of the couple and will also executive produce the film.

In other casting news, Dwayne Johnson a.k.a The Rock is gearing up for his role as Hercules based on Radical Studio’s graphic novel “Hercules: The Thracian Wars.” According to Indie Wire, principal photography for the film began this week and shooting is already underway in Budapest, Hungary. Reportedly, the film is set in a revisionary grounded world without any Greek Gods. The film’s producers are also hoping to capitalize on the popularity of past “sword and sandal” films like “Gladiator,” “300” and HBOS’s current hit series, “Game of Thrones.”

“Hercules” arrives in theaters July 2014.

Lastly, comedian Kevin Hart is without a doubt one of Hollywood’s most sought out African-American actors. He has a successful BET show, hit concert films and a slew of romantic comedies on the way including one with Screen Gems/Miramax films.

According to Indie Wire, this untitled project pairs Hart with The Book of Mormon star Josh Gad and newcomer Jeremy Garelick. Reportedly Hart is playing a charismatic guy who provides best man services for socially-challenged guys, who can’t get anyone to stand by them on their wedding days.

Think a more updated version of Will Smith’s Hitch.

Gad is playing the lucky groom, who hires Hart for his services. However, things don’t work out as planned and the two find themselves in a hilarious predicament. Miramax’ Adam Fields and Will Packer are producing the film.

Also look for Hart to star in Nick Cannon’s “School Dance” along with Wilmer Valderrma, Affion Crockett and Amber Rose and “The Impossible Dream” with Tatyana Ali. According to Hart’s IMDB page, Dream is an inspirational true story about former Olympian Precious McKenzie MBE as he overcomes the odds of poverty, violence and racial hatred in apartheid South Africa and eventually triumphing on the world stage. The film also stars acting veteran actor Nick Nolte and The Mummy’s Arnold Voslo.

RC will keep you posted on all of the above film projects as more information is made available in the coming months.