Director F. Gary Gray is ready to share his latest work with the world as he celebrates the release of his newest movie, LIFT, this Friday via Netflix.
LISTEN NOW: Director F. Gary Gray on his latest film, 'LIFT,' starring Kevin Hart
The director recently stopped by The Big Tigger Morning Show to discuss what viewers can expect from the movie along with what the vibe on set was, and the challenges he faced while filming. “If you’ve supported some of my movies… I think you’d be really happy with seeing this one,” he said of the film. “It’s a global heist movie and we have a great crew. We shot around the world and I can’t wait for people to see it.”
While directing a global heist movie may not be new for Gray, he says there will be some new aspects to this venture, including the character played by Kevin Hart.
“He’s made a transition,” Gray said of Hart’s role in the film. “Part of the reason I did it was because he wanted to make a transition from a comedic actor to rounded action actor and he did a great job. I think people are really going to be surprised at what he delivers.”
Gray continued on to praise the rest of the cast for their incredible work ethic and acting skills in the film and the calm energy they brought to set. “On this [set] it was quite calm,” he shared. “It was a challenge for me, but the cast was calm. I’ve seen some drama in some of the other movies, but this one was pretty mellow as it relates to the cast.”
He continued on to detail some of the challenges he ran into during filming — most of them due to being overseas. “It’s always a challenge when you’re shooting overseas. We shot this in Venice, Italy and also in London, England and we shot it in the Italian Alps and Ireland, so when you’re on the road, it comes with those challenges.”
Despite the challenges, Gray and his cast came out on top with a movie they’re excited for fans to see.
Hear more from Gray about LIFT, as well as his other films like Friday, Law Abiding Citizen, Straight Outta Compton and more by checking out his full interview with The Big Tigger Morning Show above, and be sure to check out LIFT, out via Netflix this Friday, January 12. Find more information here.