The Man from Toronto interview with director Patrick Hughes

Tomorrow Netflix is launching an exciting new action-comedy film starring Kevin Hart and Woody Harrelson! The Man from Toronto is a fast-paced and hilarious movie featuring a case of mistaken identity and plenty of hijinks.

Netflix Life had the opportunity to chat with the film’s director, Patrick Hughes, who has hit his stride with this genre. His other directing credits include movies like The Hitman’s Bodyguard, The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard and The Expendables 3.

Patrick talked to us about what he loves best about this genre, the vibe on set with Kevin and Woody, plus much more!

The Man from Toronto interview with director Patrick Hughes

Netflix Life: You’ve done several of these big action comedy movies now, what is so attractive to you about this genre?

Patrick Hughes: I’m just obsessed with this genre because I love having a laugh and I love blowing stuff up—when you combine those two, it’s just a riot. I’m drawn to it because there are imperfections in life and I think that’s what the action comedy represents, because you’re always subverting moments. It’s also a genre I’m drawn to because it’s essentially a love story between two people who hate each other’s guts.

Netflix Life: What was the experience like working with Kevin Hart and Woody Harrelson?

Patrick Hughes: It was an absolute blast, I can’t say enough how grateful I am. It was a tough shoot in the midst of lockdowns. We had to live in bubbles. No one saw their family or friends or loved ones for six months, so it essentially ended up being this weird school camp. But I’m grateful because the crew we had in Canada was just phenomenal, and the cast there [created] a really wonderful vibe on set. It felt like a big family.

Netflix Life: Both of those guys have done a lot of comedy, obviously Kevin more so, but was there a lot of improv on set or was it all mostly scripted?

Patrick Hughes: With this genre, we’re [always] bouncing back and forth random ideas. I always end up with a text chain where they jacked it and it’s just miles long. I’ll hear anyone’s idea and I always go for the best of the best.

When you get on set, you have the sandbox, this is the parameter of [the script], we understand the scene, and then it’s like, well let’s start playing around with it. I think thats where some of the biggest laughs come from. I’ll be shouting out things mid-take and then Kevin will come running over, he’ll have an idea, and Woody will jump in on the idea; it really is a collaborative effort.

Netflix Life: You get that sense when you’re watching it, especially because Kevin and Woody have such great chemistry together. What is the most challenging part of directing these action sequences while still maintaining the levity and humor?

Patrick Hughes: It is a tricky aspect because it’s balancing the tone. Sometimes you want to have that threat and feel the stakes, but also some of those gags or stunts you’re doing, you’re like, “Is that too much? We need to pull back.”

But if you start piling on too many gags and one-liners, then you start to lose the [intensity] of the stakes. It really is a balancing act throughout. I enjoy that process and finding some of the cool dynamic acton sequences that can also sell the comedic aspects as well.

Netflix Life: I feel like The Man from Toronto is almost designed to have spin-offs or a sequel, is that something you would consider doing?

Patrick Hughes: [Laughs] Oh, absolutely I just had so much fun working with Kevin and Woody and the cast. It was a lot of laughs when the camera wasn’t rolling and I certainly think it lends itself to further investigation about the relationship between these two.

This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

The Man from Toronto releases tomorrow, June 24, on Netflix.