Adam Sandler Revitalized Kevin James’ Career by Re-Cutting ‘Paul Blart: Mall Cop’
Adam Sandler played a pivotal role in revitalizing Kevin James’ career, particularly during the production of the 2009 film, Paul Blart: Mall Cop. Without Sandler’s involvement, James may have faced a significant career setback following a troubling initial cut of the film.
Sandler’s Influence on James’ Career
In a recent appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, Kevin James shared how Adam Sandler helped turn the struggling film into a success. Sandler served not only as a producer but also as a mentor, overseeing the editing process that transformed Paul Blart: Mall Cop.
Initial Challenges and Success
The original cut of Paul Blart: Mall Cop left James feeling distressed about his future in the industry. He described the initial viewing as “horrendous” and believed that his career might be over. Sandler reassured him by saying, “Relax, buddy. Let me check it out.”
- Sandler reviewed the rough cut and suggested necessary edits.
- He allowed certain scenes to breathe, ultimately enhancing the film’s quality.
Thanks to Sandler’s expertise and guidance, Paul Blart: Mall Cop achieved remarkable success. The film grossed approximately $186 million against a budget of $26 million, despite receiving a mediocre 36% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Impact and Legacy
The success of Paul Blart: Mall Cop led to the creation of a sequel, Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2, which also performed well financially. James credited Sandler for making these projects possible, stating, “He made my movie Mall Cop. I would never have gotten that made.”
Since then, James has placed his trust in Sandler’s process. He said, “Everything he does, I listen. I just follow him.” Following this philosophy, James even appeared alongside Sandler in the film Pixels, where he portrayed the president, adding another comedic milestone to his career.
Conclusion
Adam Sandler’s ability to revitalize Kevin James’ career through his creative input on Paul Blart: Mall Cop showcases his talent for transforming projects. As both a mentor and an influential figure in Hollywood, Sandler continues to shape the landscape of comedy films, ensuring that James and other actors thrive in the industry.
