Given the title of Kevin Hart’s new Netflix limited series, True Story, some may wonder if it is really based on a true story. In True Story, Hart plays a comedian named The Kid who returns to his hometown of Philadelphia for the latest stop in his tour. However, despite the apparent similarities between Hart's own background and the narrative, True Story is more than a straight biopic.
Having had his career boosted by a starring role in a popular superhero movie, The Kid experiences a new level of fame on the trip. The comedian’s success comes at a price, including an endless stream of favors asked for by his brother, Carlton (Wesley Snipes). After a wild night out with old friends, The Kid becomes entangled with some of Carlton’s questionable business acquaintances in ways that could jeopardize his career. Star Kevin Hart recently played against type for Fatherhood, a Netflix dramedy based on Matthew Logelin’s memoir Kisses for Maddy: A Memoir of Loss and Love, but True Story is the comedian’s first completely dramatic performance. It is also a rare television appearance for Hart, although he previously co-created and starred in the BET reality TV parody, Real Husbands of Hollywood. Hart also starred in the action-comedy series Die Hart, featured on the short-lived streaming service, Quibi. In both television appearances, Hart played fictionalized versions of himself, but is this also the case for True Story?
Despite similarities to real life, True Story is not based on a true story. It is an original concept developed by Narcos and Narcos: Mexico executive producer, Eric Newman. Although The Kid is not based on Hart, it is possible that the actor was able to draw from his own experiences for the role. Like The Kid, Hart is also originally from Philadelphia and started out as a stand-up comedian before expanding his celebrity to the field of acting.
True Story may not be based on a true story, but the similarities between Hart and the role of The Kid seem intentional. Throughout the course of the limited series, the fictional celebrity struggles to find the balance in dealing with an intrusive fanbase, something Hart must also be familiar with. These connections likely made it easier for Hart to relate to the role, and could also leave the audience wondering what else in True Story is similar to the real-life experiences of its star.
Even though Hart has yet to be cast in a live-action superhero film, his success in the Jumanji franchise could be viewed as a real-world parallel to The Kid’s film career. The actor also recently lent his voice to a character in the upcoming animated film, DC League of Super-Pets, based on the DC property – potentially highlighting another connection to the story. Similarly, continuous collaboration with Dwayne Johnson may also have had an impact on Hart, who jokingly voiced his interest in appearing in his frequent co-star's upcoming Black Adam film. Along with dramatic roles, the comedian appears to be moving to the action genre next. Hart reportedly trained with Navy Seals for Borderlands, the upcoming film adaptation of the video game series, directed by Eli Roth. All this suggests that True Story's fictional arc is more realistic than it might seem.