"Jumanji" star Kevin Hart is in talks to play Santa Claus in Disney's "Dashing Through the Snow." He would be the next Santa.
"Dashing Through the Snow" is based on an original idea by "Con Air" screenwriter Scott Rosenberg with "The Fundamentals of Caring" screenwriter Rob Burnett penning the script. Liar Liar and Elf have been said to be the tonal analogues. "Roots" Will Packer and "Ted" John Jacobs are producing with no director currently attached, Variety reported.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, "Dashing Through the Snow" is a family Christmas comedy being developed by Disney. A search for a director is about to get underway. Kristin Burr is overseeing for Disney.
"Dashing Through the Snow" follows a New York City detective who has a strained relationship with his son. The only thing that may be able to repair the father-son relationship is the one true Santa Claus who has to make the man believe in Christmas magic.
Hart and Packer have worked together since the "Ride Along" films. Packer was an executive producer of "Roots." Hart just starred as Ben Barber in "Ride Along 2," alongside Ice Cube and Tika Sumpter.
Hart has his special comedy concert film "Kevin Hart: What Now?" currently in theaters. He was also recently seen in New Line's hit "Central Intelligence" opposite Dwayne Johnson. The latter was one of the summer's biggest comedies, bringing in more than $120 million domestically.
Hart also voiced the Snowball character in "The Secret Life of Pets." He is currently filming Sony's remake of the 1995 family adventure movie "Jumanji" sequel opposite his Central Intelligence co-star Johnson and Jack Black. He is represented by UTA, 3 Arts Entertainment, and Schreck Rose.
Watch the video of Kevin Hart to play Santa Claus in new Disney movie:
