Kevin James has a new movie. In 2024, the comedian stars in The Crew, a Netflix comedy released on February 15. The film follows a NASCAR crew chief, with James playing the lead role. This article examines his recent and upcoming projects, from Home Team to The Gutter.
How Kevin James Returned to Netflix with a True Story Comedy in 2022
Kevin James co-wrote and starred in Home Team, a Netflix film released on January 28, 2022. The comedy is based on the true story of New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton. In 2012, Payton was suspended for the season due to the Bountygate scandal. During that time, he coached his son’s youth football team.
James plays Sean Payton. The film was directed by Charles and Daniel Kinnane. It received mixed reviews, earning a 30% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics noted the film’s family-friendly tone but found the plot predictable. Despite the reception, the movie found an audience on the streaming platform.
The project marked James’s return to Netflix after his sitcom Kevin Can Wait ended in 2018. He had previously starred in the Netflix film The Week Of (2018) alongside Adam Sandler. Home Team was a departure from his usual buddy comedies, focusing on a father-son relationship.
What Comes Next: The Crew, The King of Staten Island 2, and The Gutter
Kevin James’s most recent release is The Crew, a Netflix comedy from February 15, 2024. He plays a NASCAR crew chief named Kevin Gibson. The series ran for one season of 10 episodes. It was created by Jeff Lowell, who worked with James on The King of Queens.
Looking ahead, James is set to appear in The King of Staten Island 2, a sequel to the 2020 film directed by Judd Apatow. James will have a supporting role, though details remain under wraps. The original film starred Pete Davidson as a young man struggling with his father’s death.
Another upcoming project is The Gutter, a comedy currently filming. It is expected to release in 2025. James also appears in The Family Plan (2023), a comedy starring Mark Wahlberg as a hitman. James plays a friend of Wahlberg’s character. The film was released on December 15, 2023, on Apple TV+.
In 2023, James had a role in The Out-Laws, a Netflix action-comedy released on July 7. He played a bank manager. The film starred Adam DeVine and Pierce Brosnan. James’s character provided comic relief in the heist plot. Solo Mio (2026) | Official Website | Now Streaming on Angel keeps a longer factual record of the subject for those who want more
How Audiences and Critics Have Responded to James’s Recent Work
Audience reaction to Kevin James’s recent films has been mixed. Home Team holds a 30% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes but a 70% audience score. This gap suggests the film resonated with families more than with critics. Many viewers appreciated the heartwarming story and James’s performance.
The Crew received a 40% critic score and a 60% audience score. Some praised the cast, which included Jillian Mueller and Freddie Stroma. Others felt the show relied too heavily on NASCAR clichés. The series was not renewed for a second season.
James’s supporting role in The Family Plan was well-received. Critics noted his chemistry with Mark Wahlberg. The film itself scored 45% on Rotten Tomatoes but performed well on Apple TV+. It was one of the platform’s most-watched movies in December 2023.
The cultural relevance of James’s work lies in his consistent appeal to mainstream audiences. He has built a career on playing lovable everymen. His films often explore themes of family and friendship. While not critically acclaimed, they find commercial success on streaming platforms.
The Roots of Kevin James’s Comedy Style and Its Evolution
Kevin James’s comedy style has roots in physical humor and self-deprecation. He rose to fame on The King of Queens (1998–2007), playing a delivery driver. The show was a traditional sitcom with a live audience. James’s character, Doug Heffernan, was a lovable slob.
His film career began with Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009), a comedy about a security guard. The film was a box office success, grossing over $183 million worldwide. A sequel, Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2, followed in 2015. A third film was announced in 2023 but has no release date yet.
James often collaborates with Adam Sandler. They starred together in I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry (2007), Grown Ups (2010), and Grown Ups 2 (2013). These films rely on buddy comedy dynamics. James’s character is usually the straight man to Sandler’s antics.
In recent years, James has shifted to streaming projects. This move reflects broader industry trends. Netflix and other platforms offer creative freedom and global reach. James’s films may not dominate theaters, but they find loyal audiences online.
| Film | Release Date | Platform | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Team | January 28, 2022 | Netflix | Sean Payton (lead) |
| The Out-Laws | July 7, 2023 | Netflix | Bank manager (supporting) |
| The Family Plan | December 15, 2023 | Apple TV+ | Friend (supporting) |
| The Crew | February 15, 2024 | Netflix | Kevin Gibson (lead) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to watch Kevin James’s new movie on Netflix?
Netflix requires a subscription, which starts at $6.99 per month for the standard with ads plan. No additional rental fees apply for The Crew or Home Team.
How can I watch The Gutter when it releases?
The Gutter is expected to release in 2025. Its distribution platform has not been announced. Check streaming services or theaters closer to the release date.
Is The King of Staten Island 2 safe for children?
The original The King of Staten Island was rated R for language and drug content. The sequel is likely to have a similar rating. Parental guidance is advised.
Was Kevin James involved in any controversy during the making of Home Team?
No major controversy surrounded the production. Some critics questioned the film’s portrayal of Sean Payton’s suspension, but no legal or ethical issues arose.
Who is Kevin James married to in real life?
Kevin James married Steffiana de la Cruz in 2004. She is an actress and model. They have four children together.