Ricky Stanicky is the new comedy from Prime Video that brings together several of the most well-known stars in the film industry: Zac Efron and John Cena. Both the actor and the former wrestler will star in the movie directed by Peter Farrelly (There’s Something About Mary).
The screenplay was developed by Jeffrey Bushell, Brian Jarvis and Jim Freeman, based on the novel written by David Occhino and Jason Decker. The WWE member will reunite with some of his wrestling friends, such as Nathan Jones, who will play the role of Huge Guy.
Originally set to star James Franco, he decided to exit the project and Joaquin Phoenix was considered as a replacement. However, the focus quickly shifted to Jim Carrey, but the comedian also withdrew from the project, leaving the role open.
When is Ricky Stanicky released on Prime Video?
Ricky Stanicky is the new comedy in the hands of Prime Video and will make its debut in the catalog in a few months. The film will arrive on the platform on March 7 of this year, marking the first collaboration between John Cena and Zac Efron.
Zac Efron, Andrew Santino and Jermaine Fowler in Ricky Stanicky. (Source: Prime Video)
The story is centered around a group of friends, portrayed by High School Musical star, Andrew Santino (The Disaster Artist and This Is Us) and Jermaine Fowler (Judas and the Black Messiah). Meanwhile, the former wrestler is the one bringing to life an actor hired by the trio.
Another figure playing a significant role is William H. Macy, whose character remains a mystery. All these celebrities will be accompanied by names such as Anja Savcic, Nathan Jones as Huge Guy, Lex Scott Davis, Jane Badler as Miriam Summerhayes and Heather Mitchell, among others.
What is Ricky Stanicky about?
The movie is a wild and daring comedy revolving around a prank gone wrong and a lie, sustained for decades, that goes too far. A group of childhood friends play a prank and accidentally burn down a house in their neighborhood, creating a fictional person to blame: Ricky Stanicky did it.
Twenty years later, they’ve been using this alibi as a way to escape from any situation. The now-adults continue to use their imaginary friend to go out once a year, but when their wives catch them, they hire an actor to impersonate him.
Little do they know that he will take the role too far, and they will regret ever inventing Ricky. They find themselves immersed in uncomfortable and seemingly endless chaos as they try to undo a mistake that has been in motion for decades.
Is Ricky Stanicky based on a book?
The comedy is not based on a book, as the story was developed from an original screenplay by Jeffrey Bushell and Steve Oedekerk. Before the film came to fruition, the initial script had been included in the Black List of Best Unproduced Screenplays of 2010 (created by Franklin Leonard).
For the Prime Video adaptation, those involved in the writing were the director himself, Brian Jarvis (Loudermilk) and James L. Freeman (Stupidface). They always referred to the original project’s ideas but infused their essence and humor into the narrative.
What is Ricky Stanicky rated?
Ricky Stanicky has received an R rating, indicating that it contains scenes with content that may be inappropriate for individuals under 17 years old without the company of a parent or guardian. This rating suggests that the story may include strong material such as intense violence, strong language, explicit nudity, sexual content or disturbing situations.
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This was to be expected, as the narrative has a vibe very similar to What Happens in Vegas, The Hangover and Dirty Grandpa all rolled into one. It’s not the first time Zac Efron has taken on a significant role in a film of this genre, as he has previously been involved in Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates, Neighbors and That Awkward Moment.
