My first impression of the script was that it was incredibly stupid. Then the film was called "Grand theft lotto" and I thought it sounded too crazy, says Paul Feig.
The director of films like "Spy" (2015) and new "Ghostbusters" (2016) changed his mind quickly.
My producer partner called and thought the script was very funny, and told me that Awkwafina and John Cena were attached. I got about 40 pages into the script and decided to do the film before I finished reading it, says Paul Feig.
Bloodthirsty lottery
The plot of "Jackpot!" takes place in a near future. Los Angeles has started a lottery where the pot is a massive amount of millions. The catch is that whoever manages to murder the jackpot winner before the end of the day gets the money. Comedian Awkwafina plays the lead role as Katie, a former child star who wins the big lottery and must flee from a horde of bloodthirsty people who want her prize money. John Cena appears as Noel, a kind-hearted bodyguard who takes on the task of protecting Katie.
The setup reminds of more dystopian science fiction films, but Paul Feig wanted to maintain a light tone and a sense of hope.
I have too much faith in humanity to portray a world where people have gone crazy. What I liked here was that people in the film themselves have to participate in the lottery. It's not "The Purge" – which I love – but there they have no other choice. This was my way of approaching a dystopia that I think can be solved, says Paul Feig.
Does not like digital effects
The director tells us that "Jackpot" was an opportunity for him to finally do what he had longed for.
I can't overstate how big a Jackie Chan fan I am. His films are the perfect marriage between action, comedy, and martial arts. We did real stunts, real fights. I don't like digital effects, so we didn't use them except to edit out a few threads, says Feig.
"Jackpot" is released directly to the streaming service Prime Video and is banned for children due to its violent content and abundance of swear words. Something Feig prefers over more polished language.
I really think that swear words are fun. If a comedic person is good at swearing, the jokes become funnier to me. There are people who can't swear and it sounds wrong, but if you do it well, it's like jazz or poetry.
Born: 1962 (61 years old)
Occupation: Director/screenwriter/producer
Current with: "Jackpot!" which is released on August 15, 2024, on Prime Video.
TV series (selected): Creator of "Nerds and nobodies". Has also directed episodes of "Mad men", "The Office", "Parks and recreation", "Nurse Jackie", "Weeds", "Arrested development".
Films (selected): "Bridesmaids" (2011), "The Heat" (2013), "Spy" (2015), "Ghostbusters" (2016), "Last Christmas" (2019).
