Author: Robert Skuch Published
Kevin James and Happy Madison Productions go together like lamb and tuna these days. Or, if you prefer, go for spaghetti and meatballs.
With his legendary personality and physical comedy skills, James is the perfect stand-in for Chris Farley, and I have reason to believe that he will be Sandler’s go-to big man whenever Farley comes to mind. In an alternate timeline where Chris Farley didn’t die, I don’t think James would have ever found himself in Sandler’s creative realm, and that’s not a knock on his acting abilities. If Sandler hadn’t tragically overdosed in 1997, he could have reserved humor for his best friend, a practical and logical continuation.
With Chris Farley out, Kevin James is the next best thing. As far as I’m concerned, he’s worth it.
Grown Ups was originally conceived by Chris Farley
2010s grown upsStarring Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, David Spade, Rob Schneider and Kevin James, Star Wars was in early development before Chris Farley’s death, and it was widely believed that Farley would have had one of the central roles. A movie about old friends who drift apart and reunite as adults was tailor-made for Sandler saturday night live But after Farley died, the project was shelved and Sandler moved on to other things.
The sad reality is that Sandler never really got over the death of his best friend. Making that movie at the time was emotionally brutal.
Years later, Kevin James king of queensenter the Happy Madison Orbit. He first appeared with Sandler in 2007 I now declare you Chuck and Larryfollowed by a small portion in 2008 Don’t mess with Zohan.
Paul Blart appears
James had his first true solo lead role under the Happy Madison umbrella, joining Paul in 2009 Bratt: Mall Cop. This is a trial run. Can he pull off a film on his own while delivering the physical comedy and full-bodied commitment that Farley is known for in films such as this? tommy boy?
Critics hated it, but audiences showed up anyway, and the box office numbers ($186 million, no big deal) proved what Sandler probably needed to see. James can lead from the front, take hits, fall down stairs and keep things interesting. With such confidence, grown ups It was finally approved the following year, and James took the spot that once belonged to Farley.
Address the elephant in the room
To prove my point without seeming close-minded, we need to acknowledge the elephant in the room. Chris Farley and Kevin James are big names. Not just a big guy, but a big guy that can actually move. This distinction is important here.
Kevin James played college football as a backup offensive tackle and was a top high school wrestler who also competed in volleyball, track and basketball before retiring due to injury. Today, he is still training in mixed martial arts and said he would step into the Octagon if given the chance. He has real motor control, which is why he can take down all over and sell his body without looking awkward.
Chris Farley has a similar athletic background. He played football in high school and football in college. His physical comedy doesn’t come from chaos. It comes from discipline and conditioning.
David Spade said Farley can perform a backflip on command and continues to amaze people with how agile he is for his size. For proof, check out his 1996 late night show with david letterman At the entrance, he rushed onto the stage, picked up Letterman’s stage manager and, while working the crowd, carried him outside, tossed him into a dumpster, and cartwheeled back inside. When he sat down, he barely looked out of breath.
Try doing this during a job interview. You’ll vomit and be escorted out of the building by security.
Their shared athleticism is the real selling point. It’s never just about being a big, interesting person. It’s about being able to use your whole body to tell a joke, and both Farley and James do it, effortlessly.
Not a replacement but a continuation
It’s not an insult to call Kevin James the silver medal to Adam Sandler. It’s a recognition of the emotional reality behind the casting. Sandler loved Farley. He still talks about him with obvious love. Kevin James did not replace Farley. He picked up the torch, so the projects built around that specific energy didn’t die with him.
