Central Intelligence star Kevin Hart has entered talks to suit up as Father Christmas for Disney’s festive comedy, Dashing Through the Snow.
That’s according to The Hollywood Reporter, confirming today that should a deal fall into place, Hart will buddy up with his Ride Along 2 producer Will Packer. The Mouse House has also drafted in John Jacobs (Ted) and Kristin Burr to oversee development.
Citing Liar Liar and the seemingly timeless Elf as inspirations, Dashing Through the Snow tells the story of a “New York City detective who is a workaholic and has a strained relationship with his son. The only thing that may be able to repair the father-son relationship is the one true Santa Claus who has to make the man believe in Christmas magic.”
It’s a bankable pitch, and fans of Elf will no doubt pinpoint comparisons to James Cann and Will Ferrell’s most unusual relationship. As for this casting nugget, we understand Hart could well be the one tasked with dishing out festive joy as old Saint Nick. Meanwhile, the search for a director is about to get underway.
Dashing Through the Snow is likely being prepped for a theatrical release towards the end of 2017, by which point we’ll have a better understanding of the cast Disney has in mind. Hot off musical hit Kevin Hart: What Now?, fans can look forward to the funnyman reuniting with Central Intelligence co-star Dwayne Johnson for Sony’s Jumanji sequel. Expect that one to roar into theaters on July 28, 2017.
