New York Jets fan Kevin James to portray Sean Payton
Netflix is delivering the King of Queens to The Big Easy.
The streaming service’s original films division hopes such a concept will score some laughs this NFL postseason, as noted New York Jets fan Kevin James will portray New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton in the film “Home Team”, a new comedy made in conjunction with Adam Sandler’s Happy Madison Productions.
Sandler, a fellow Jets fan, is listed as an executive producer for the film, which co-stars Taylor Lautner (“Twilight”) and Rob Schneider (“Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigalo”).
The film is loosely based on Payton’s 2012 endeavors, which saw him coach his son’s youth football team (the Liberty Christian Warriors) in Argyle, Texas during his yearlong NFL-mandated suspension for his role in the “Bountygate” scandal.
The first trailer was released on Tuesday and will be available to stream on Jan. 28.
Tuesday’s first look at the film went viral amongst football fans for a variety of reasons, some questioning its necessity and whether it’s right to turn Payton’s role in one of the most infamous scandals in league history into a youth-oriented comedy.
Others celebrated the return of James’ co-star Taylor Lautner (best known for his work in the “Twilight” franchise), whose appearance in the film will mark his first movie in six years.
The general feeling appears to be anticipation for a film that could well reach “so bad, it’s good” heights.
I can’t believe this is … real. I mean. I can’t. How in the world did Sean Payton’s name get attached to this? Who thought this was a good idea? I have so many questions. https://t.co/KaMlJKR7qN
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) December 14, 2021
Well guys they’ve done it. Netflix has finally run out of ideas https://t.co/LjbGJhfJaq
— Joey (@JoeyMulinaro) December 14, 2021
This is … Well, I don't know what the hell this is, but I feel absolutely compelled to watch it. https://t.co/Z143Dafmxt
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano) December 14, 2021
Wait… is this real? https://t.co/3K51Crdiv1
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) December 14, 2021
“Home Team” will be James’ 13th collaboration with Happy Madison, a relationship that began with a cameo appearance in 2004’s “50 First Dates”.
Ironically, Payton defeated James’ Jets in their most recent contest, as the Saints took a 30-9 decision at MetLife Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
With their playoff hopes officially evaporated – yet still not far behind the odds of “Home Team” claiming hardware at the 2023 Oscars – the Jets (3-10) return to action on Sunday afternoon for a road game against the Miami Dolphins (1 p.m. ET, CBS).
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
