Mason Gooding has been cast in Kevin Hart’s comedy flick 72 Hours. This marks another significant project for the rising star, who has become increasingly sought after in Hollywood with his versatile acting range spanning comedy and horror genres.
The 28-year-old actor – who has played Ghostface in the Scream franchise since the 2022 eponymous flick – is attached to play the groom in the upcoming Netflix bachelor party film. Gooding’s casting continues his streak of high-profile projects, with his Scream performances earning critical acclaim and establishing him as a prominent figure in modern horror cinema.
Gooding will be joined by Saturday Night Live’s Marcello Hernandez, who will be portraying the groom’s best man and official bachelor party captain. Hernandez’s inclusion brings fresh SNL talent to the project, following the successful trend of comedy shows feeding into major film productions and expanding the show’s influence in Hollywood.
72 Hours follows Hart as a 40-year-old executive who joins a gang of twenty-somethings for a wild three-day bachelor party in Miami after being mistakenly added to their group chat. The premise taps into the popular “fish out of water” comedy formula that has proven successful in Hart’s previous films, combining generational humor with Miami’s vibrant party scene.
The film will see Hart reunite with his Ride Along director Tim Story, while Matt Mider, Kevin Burrows, Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg pen the script. The Hart-Story collaboration has previously delivered successful projects, making their reunion a promising development for comedy fans and industry insiders alike.
Variety reports 72 Hours is currently in production in Miami, and will be produced by Hart’s production company Hartbeat, alongside Davis Entertainment. Miami’s diverse locations and dynamic atmosphere provide the perfect backdrop for the bachelor party chaos that drives the film’s narrative.
72 Hours is being produced as part of a partnership between Sony Pictures and Netflix that was established in 2021, in which Sony gives Netflix the first look at any projects intended for streaming. This partnership has created numerous opportunities for filmmakers and has strengthened the relationship between traditional studios and streaming platforms.
Deadline previously suggested 72 Hours has become a high priority for Netflix since Hart and Story signed on, with the pair’s involvement bringing new life to the project. Hart’s consistent success in comedy has made him one of the most bankable stars in the genre, while Story’s directorial expertise adds credibility to the production.
Gooding will next be seen in Scream 7, where he will star opposite Mckenna Grace, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox and Matthew Lillard as Chad Meeks-Martin, AKA Ghostface. The upcoming installment promises to deliver the franchise’s signature blend of horror and suspense that has captivated audiences for decades.
“It feels like an amplification of what’s came before, and there’s no better indication of that than Kevin Williamson, who wrote the original, coming back now to direct,” the actor previously teased his killer would be “the most brutal he’s ever been” in the upcoming slasher – which is slated to hit cinemas in February 2026. In an interview with Variety, he said.
“I think that Ghostface is absolutely the most brutal he’s been. I don’t want to spoil anything, but there’s some stuff that they do to the human body that I feel like Kevin is breaking new ground with.” This development suggests that Scream 7 will push boundaries in terms of horror content and special effects innovation.
“There was a prosthetic that sat in the makeup trailer that actually turned my stomach over,” The Heart Eyes star added viewers could be in for some stomach-churning scenes, describing Scream 7 as “gross, but in a good way.” He explained. “You’ll know what I’m talking about when you see it, but it’s incredible stuff. They really have an incredible effects team over there and they’re working overtime.” The advanced practical effects work demonstrates the film’s commitment to authentic horror experiences.
“I get to work with Neve, who I didn’t get a great opportunity to see and talk to on a personal level [on Scream 2022],” Gooding is thrilled to work with Scream queen Neve Campbell, who is set to return as Sidney Prescott in the horror flick. He said. “So in this case, even just getting to be around her feels like I’m getting part of that history and I feel better for it.” Campbell’s return represents a significant moment for the franchise and provides continuity for longtime fans.
The dual projects showcase Gooding’s expanding range and growing prominence in Hollywood, positioning him as one of the industry’s most promising young talents with the ability to seamlessly transition between genres and work alongside established stars.
