The project was originally announced in September 2011, with Timothy Scott Bogart writing and directing the feature about his late father.
Justin Timberlake was cast as Bogart. In October 2013,
Spike Lee was in talks to direct the film. In January 2014, the film was delayed due to the Envision Entertainment scandal. In June 2019, Deadline reported that Timothy Bogart would direct the film, with
Jeremy Jordan now cast as Bogart, and
Samuel L. Jackson,
Kenan Thompson,
Jason Isaacs and
Jason Derulo amongst the extensive cast.
Richard Dreyfuss and
Sebastian Maniscalco were added to the cast in August. In June 2021, new cast members were announced, including
Wiz Khalifa replacing Jackson and newcomer
Casey Likes playing
Gene Simmons. Filming began on July 16, 2019, in
Montreal, with plans to
wrap on September 20. On August 23, Canadian actors' union
ACTRA issued a "Do Not Work" order forbidding its members from working on the film, alleging the producers were "unfair engagers for failure to meet payroll obligations." As of June 17, 2021, filming had begun in
New Jersey. ==Release==