Exclusive: Queen Latifah and Adam Sandler talk Netflix's sports film Hustle and playing an NBA scout
Hitting select theaters and on Netflix June 8 is the sports film Hustle, starring Adam Sandler, Queen Latifah, Juancho Hernangómez, Ben Foster, Kenny Smith, Anthony Edwards, Jordan Hull, Maria Botto, Ainhoa Pillet, Raul Castillo, Jaleel White, Heidi Gardner and Robert Duvall.
Stanley Sugerman's (Adam Sandler) love for basketball is unparalleled, but the travel-weary Philadelphia 76ers scout who has higher ambitions of being a coach remains stuck on the road looking for the next unknown talent. His search around the world leads him to Spain, when he discovers Bo Cruz (NBA player Juancho Hernangómez), an incredible streetball player with a troubled past. Stanley and Bo connect on and off the court, with their passion for the game and as loving family men who want to prove they can win, in basketball and in life. With the support of Stanley's wife, Teresa (Queen Latifah), can the underdogs come out on top?
HUSTLE, an inspirational drama, is directed by Jeremiah Zagar and is produced by Sandler, Allen Covert, Joe Roth, Jeffrey Kirschenbaum, Zack Roth, LeBron James and Maverick Carter.
Best known for his comedic performances on SNL and in several films, Sandler is just as good when he does dramatic roles. His most recent turn in that genre, the 2019 dark comedy “Uncut Gems,” earned him a Spirit Award. His other notable dramatic films include Reign Over Me and Punch-Drunk Love.
Queen Latifah, who plays Stanley’s wife, Teresa Sugarman, currently stars in the CBS drama series The Equalizer. Oscar-nominated for her performance in Chicago, was recently seen in The Tiger Rising and prior to that was portraying Hattie McDaniel in the Ryan Murphy and Netflix series, Hollywood.
Blackfilmandtv.com’s Wilson Morales spoke with Sandler and Queen Latifah about the life of an NBA scout and working with NBA players on the film.
