MGM releases the second trailer for The Hustle, and it capitalizes on the Avengers: Endgame hype. Directed by Chris Addison, the film is thematically based on the 1988 comedy Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. In February 2018, The Hustle received its official title, and the first trailer released last February.
In The Hustle, Rebel Wilson and Anne Hathaway portray two distinctly different types of scam artists, though they share a mutual goal in seeking vengeance against morally challenged men. In the original Dirty Rotten Scoundrels film, Steve Martin and Michael Caine star as con men who manipulate rich women in the French Riviera, with the late Glenne Headly co-headlining as a wealthy American heiress. Directed by Frank Oz, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is based on the 1964 comedy Bedtime Story starring Marlon Brando, David Niven, and Shirley Jones. For The Hustle, Wilson co-produced with Spyglass Entertainment’s Roger Birnbaum, the former co-CEO of MGM.
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On YouTube, MGM released The Hustle’s new trailer. The clip begins with a monochromatic shot of the MGM logo, and then infuses gold into the color scheme for a wide city shot. The stylish open is followed by a full screen graphic that references “centuries of injustice,” which sets the tone for the comedic introduction of the main players, dubbed “The Revengers." After referencing Thanos’ infamous snap, the trailer's gold-silver palette is replaced by Hathaway’s colorful declaration, “We’re not nice women,” and Wilson’s acknowledgement of their confidence-themed occupation. In the 64-second trailer, the antiheroes take advantage of “small-minded men,” and the clip also includes moments of situational comedy that highlight the unique bond between the main characters. By the end, the trailer once again references Avengers: Endgame with a graphic that reads “The Game Ends Mother’s Day Weekend.” Watch The Hustle trailer #2 below.
During a recent appearance on The Graham Norton Show, Wilson explained how she convinced the MPAA to change The Hustle’s rating from R to PG-13. The Australian actress referenced her background in law, and how she defended the film during an arbitration hearing, and ultimately succeeded by comparing The Hustle to PG films that are geared towards younger audiences yet include adult humor. As for Hathaway, The Hustle marks her first theatrical release since the poorly-received Serenity, a neo-noir co-starring Matthew McConaughey. Produced for $25 million, Serenity released in January and made approximately $11 million at the box office.
With The Hustle, Wilson and Hathaway flip the script by starring as manipulative female con artists. But whereas many con films glorify the act of stealing and living luxurious lifestyles, The Hustle’s two trailers imply that the primary antiheroes have good reasons for taking advantage of aloof men. In addition, Wilson’s resume as a producer and Hathaway’s performance history suggest that The Hustle will be a well-polished, edgy, and progressive comedy.
Source: MGM
