Kevin James' Guns Up Plot, Director And More Details

After making a name for himself on "The King of Queens," Kevin James has remained a frequent presence in the world of comedy both on the big and small screen. He's continued leading sitcoms like "Kevin Can Wait" and "The Crew," but he's also ventured into feature-length films, often starring alongside his frequent collaborator Adam Sandler in projects like "Hubie Halloween" and "Sandy Wexler." Now, after solo films like "Here Comes the Boom" and "Paul Blart: Mall Cop," James has again stepped out on his own with another comedy — one that promises to have equal parts action in it: "Guns Up."

From the title alone, it sounds like a far cry from James playing a simple family man just trying to make ends meet. And while there's bound to be a good deal of violence in the picture, fans should rest assured James will get a chance to flex the comedy muscles he's toned over the years. For now, here's everything we know so far about "Guns Up," starring Kevin James.

"Guns Up" does not have an official release date yet. However, that could change in the near future. According to an exclusive report from The Hollywood Reporter, Millennium Media has been in charge of the world sales of the upcoming movie. In fact, the film production company pitched the project to international buyers at 2023's Cannes Film Market, although we aren't sure who they sold it too.

However, on Millennium Media's website, it does say that the studio "recently wrapped production" on "Guns Up," so it seems like production was unaffected by the now-concluded actors' strike. But there's the question of whether the film will end up on a streaming service or go to theaters. Kevin James has found good luck bringing his projects to Netflix, such as "Home Team" and "True Memoirs of an International Assassin." As for right now, a 2024 release date seems very possible.

It sounds like Kevin James is getting back into his action-comedy form, as exemplified in movies like "True Memoirs of an International Assassin" and "Here Comes the Boom." According to The Hollywood Reporter, "Guns Up" will see James play as an ex-cop with a family who just so happens to moonlight as a mob henchman on the side. As expected, things go sideways when a job gets botched, forcing his familial and violent lives to collide. As a result, he has one night to get his family out of the city.

With this merging of different worlds, there's certainly ample opportunity for there to be some laughs along the way. However, James should also get a chance to show off his action side as he'll likely have to go toe-to-toe with plenty of adversaries to get his family safe. In this way, the movie's bound to blend elements of comedy, action, and family drama in something people hopefully connect with.

As mentioned previously, "Guns Up" will star Kevin James in the lead role. While Kevin James has usually kept one foot in the comedy realm over the years, he's really proven he can be a dramatic action star when the material calls for it. 2020's "Becky" was criminally underseen due to going straight to video-on-demand, but James plays a very different psychotic character than audiences are likely used to seeing him as. 

"Guns Up" could be another opportunity for him to show that he can be more than Adam Sandler's buddy in goofball comedies. As for who'll join him in the film, Millennium Media's official site has announced that James will be joined by the legendary Christina Ricci, famous for her turns in projects like "Yellowjackets" and "Addams Family Values." We're unsure who's she playing at this part, although we could see Ricci playing anything from James' wife to a villainous mob boss.

"Guns Up" will be helmed by Edward Drake, who also wrote the screenplay. Drake is best known for directing the Amazon Prime Video thriller "Broil," which earned mixed reviews from critics upon release. Jennie Kermode wrote for Eye for Film, "Full of high Gothic drama and psychological games, 'Broil' is more interested in grotesque ideas than gory displays."

However, those at Millennium are incredibly excited at the prospect of Drake's next project. In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, JJ Nugent, VP of international sales and distribution for Millennium, stated, "We couldn't be more excited to team up with Ed on this film which stars the incredibly talented Kevin James doing what he does best — delivering action-packed thrills and hilarious one-liners." Nugent went on to say, "When I first read the script, I couldn't help but draw similarities to our 'Hitman's Bodyguard' franchise as it has a seamless blend of action and comedy, coupled with an unexpected family dynamic that's full of surprises."

"The Hitman's Bodyguard" sounds like a good comparison for "Guns Up" with its blend of action and comedy. That film was a major success, even spawning a sequel in the form of "The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard." Hopefully, "Guns Up" finds an audience when it comes out in the near future.