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“Kevin James looking miserable at the Super Bowl.” As the jumbotron at Levi’s Stadium cycled through its parade of celebrity guests, the camera landed on one unmistakably pouty face. There sat a frozen Kevin James, suited up in a black tuxedo and holding a bouquet of white flowers, staring into the distance as the crowd roared around him.
The moment quickly went viral on social media, the space where James has captivated audiences for months as his online alter ego “Mr. Taylor.” Videos started circulating last October from the account “thisismatttaylor,” an art teacher who bears a conspicuous resemblance to James, sketching and painting at an easel while dispensing bits of wisdom. A modern-day Bob Ross, of sorts.
Though James hasn’t officially owned the bit, Matt Taylor is the same character he plays in the new rom-com “Solo Mio.” The film follows Mr. Taylor on a honeymoon for one after his would-be Mrs. leaves him at the altar in Rome.
“Solo Mio” is the first romantic comedy from Angel Studios, the “values-based” indie distributor that made a name for itself with the unlikely box office hit “Sound of Freedom” in 2023. Starring Jim Caviezel, that anti-trafficking thriller grossed $251 million worldwide against a $14.5 million budget, becoming one of the most successful independent films in history.
Angel Studios is now finding success with lighter fare like “Solo Mio,” which earned a respectable $7.2 million in its opening weekend. The rom-com also earned an A- CinemaScore and an 81% Rotten Tomatoes critics score, the highest of James’ career.
“It’s the right actor and story, made for very little money, from the right distributor,” says Franchise Entertainment Research’s David A. Gross. “Angel Studios knows how to reach this audience.”
As studios funnel more of their marketing dollars into IP-driven blockbuster spectacles, the theatrical comedy has become more of a rarity. But James, 60, was steadfast on having “Solo Mio” play in theaters.
“This movie is me,” James tells Variety. “[Angel Studios], more or less, got out of the way — in a good way — and just let me do what I do in the movie. That really worked out. They’re finding their way, but it gave me the freedom to do this. The film wouldn’t have been in theaters if I didn’t go with them.”
James hadn’t been to a movie theater in years until Adam Sandler invited him to a special screening of “Happy Gilmore 2” last summer, rejuvenating his passion for cinemas. “It was packed and it just destroyed,” James recalls. “Seeing people laugh together, you forget that energy. It feels like an event, not like watching something on your phone or iPad.”
While “Happy Gilmore 2” broke streaming records, the celebrity-packed sequel never received a wide theatrical release. Netflix’s aversion to releasing its marquee titles in theaters has fueled ongoing debates around the streamer’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, one of Hollywood’s highest box office performers. Ted Sarandos insists Netflix would gain new value from acquiring WBD’s “theatrical distribution engine,” whereas a company like Paramount would be combining two major studios, which may result in significant job losses.
“Maybe Netflix will, I don’t know,” James says, hoping the streamer embraces the theatrical business. “I guess they don’t have to — because they get [their movies] to everybody, but I just miss that experience. Netflix is trying to buy everybody up. If they get theaters back, I’m thrilled for theaters. That’s what I’m shooting for the most, but we’ll see.”
Would a film like “Grown Ups 3,” which has been rumored to be in development for years, get a theatrical release? James quickly changes his tone.
“If they ever do another ‘Grown Ups,’ I would love it,” James said. “I’m just excited to be there, whether it’s streaming or in the theaters. Can I say this? How about both? I love both.”
James lights up when asked about Sandler. “He’s the greatest friend in the world, but also the biggest star,” he says. “He crushes more than anybody. When he gives advice, he lifts you up if something’s not going well and comes up with fixes. He’s a brilliant mind. It’s not easy, but he’s done it time and time again. It’s great to have him.”
For now, James appears content in his corner of the entertainment ecosystem, far removed from the gloom he played up at the Super Bowl. As Hollywood grows more politically outspoken, the famously apolitical comic is sticking to what he does best.
“Politically, for me to speak on it, there are experts who know much more than I do,” James says. “I’m just focusing on what I can do, delivering a fun, heartfelt break from the craziness of the world. Everybody carries themselves around all day long with a lot of stress. It’s necessary in some ways, but you also need a break. You’ve got to look around and find the good in things. Otherwise, you’re just not going to function. I want to make people have fun, have hope and get a nice escape in their day.”
“Solo Mio” is playing in theaters now.
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Antonio Ferme
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