Lil Rel Howery & DeWanda Wise Talk ‘Fatherhood’ | blackfilm.com correspondent Ellen J. Wanjiru speaks with Lil Rel Howery (Get Out , Bad Trip ) and DeWanda Wise (Someone Great, She’s Gotta Have It) about their roles in new Netflix film ‘Fatherhood,’ the responsibility of telling a real person’s story and improvisation. The film is based upon the book “Two Kisses for Maddy: A Memoir of Loss & Love” by Matthew Logelin. Premieres on Netflix June 18.
Lil Rel Howery’s energy is both felt and noticed on screen, which speaks volumes about the impact of his presence. Howery’s comedic timing in a film inspired by loss, grief and love makes it even more relatable and endearing. “It took the pressure off of Kevin to be the source of all the comedy by having Lil Rel there. So much of what you see on screen wasn’t even on the page. He’s a terrific actor,” says David Beaubaire.
DeWanda Wise does not disappoint in her role as Lizzy, Matt’s (Kevin Hart) love interest. Wise commands the screen with grace and charm and effortlessly embodies her character in a way that leaves the viewer wanting more. “When Paul Weitz (director) and I met, I got the sense there’s always something in each actor that directors can almost access and pick up on. In the case of Lizzy, he wanted a romantic interest who felt like she didn’t necessarily need Matt in her life, somebody who felt whole and independent. I think Paul saw that in my work and knew that’s what I could bring to the character.”
FILM SYNOPSIS: Following the death of his wife soon after the birth of their daughter, Matt Logelin (Kevin Hart), finds himself navigating his grief while taking on the toughest job he’s ever faced: Fatherhood. Choosing to care for Maddy (Melody Hurd) in the ways he knew his wife Liz (Deborah Ayorinde) would’ve wanted, Matt is determined to go it alone, but learns that raising a child — and becoming a great dad — takes a village. With the help of everyone from his family (Alfre Woodard, Lil Rel Howery, Frankie R. Faison) and friends (Anthony Carrigan), to his boss (Paul Reiser) and a new love interest also coincidentally named Liz (DeWanda Wise), Matt is able to provide Maddy the life of joy, love, and fullness he always wanted for her, no matter how different it turned out to be from what he imagined.
Presented by Sony Pictures and Higher Ground
DIRECTED BY: Paul Weitz | SCREENPLAY BY Dana Stevens and Paul Weitz
SCREEN STORY BY: Dana Stevens | BASED ON THE BOOK BY: Matthew Logelin
PRODUCED BY: Marty Bowen, Kevin Hart, David Beaubaire, p.g.a., Peter Kiernan, p.g.a.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Betsy Danbury, Aaron L. Gilbert, Jason Cloth, Bryan Smiley,
Jaclyn Huntling Swatt, Isaac Klausner, Channing Tatum, Reid Carolin
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Tobias Datum | PRODUCTION DESIGNER Sarah Knowles
EDITOR: Jonathan Corn, ACE | CASTING BY: Kim Coleman, CSA
MUSIC BY: Rupert Gregson-Williams | COSTUME DESIGNER: Francine Jamison-Tanchuck
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