Central Intelligence has an all-star lineup. With Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Kevin Hart leading the way, co-stars Aaron Paul, Amy Ryan and Tim Griffin follow closely behind in the biggest action-comedy of the summer.
“Dwayne Johnson plays a rogue CIA agent who’s up to some very nefarious things and told Kevin Hart a totally different story,” teased Griffin, who chases after The Rock and uses innocent Hart to find answers in the upcoming film.
“He’s such a master spy that we can never seem to corner him, but the guy we can always seem to get to is Kevin Hart,” said Griffin. “We literally roll up grab him, drag him into the van, pin him down, and threaten him. As you can imagine, Kevin tries to talk his way out of it.”
Preventing himself from cracking up every time Hart opened his mouth was one of the greatest acting challenges he’s faced, said Griffin. Especially when the award-winning comedian felt it necessary to do a quick Vin Diesel imitation before a serious take.
“It was a quote from Fast and the Furious ,” explained Griffin. “Every time we needed to focus, he’d go, ‘Alright guys, let’s do this,’ and then he’d drop his voice three octaves.” Griffin continued his story in a full-on Diesel impression: “One thing you need to know about me, is I’m from the streets.”
So when you see Central Intelligence this Friday, make sure to stay in the theater for the post-credit outtakes. According to Griffin, they’re just scratching the surface. Expect even more bloopers from Hart and The Rock when the Blu-ray edition releases later this year.
“Amy Ryan is a stone-cold, stone-faced assassin who never breaks and so Kevin, he knew he could get me,” added Griffin. “He would focus his lines on me knowing I was the weak link in the chain. I’m sitting there biting my cheek trying not to break. The outtakes at the end are just the tip of the iceberg.”
With Aquarius, Wayward Pines and Central Intelligence all premiering within the same month, Griffin is ready to take a much needed break. As for his next project, look out for the versatile actor in something Marvel or DC Comics related.
“Because I did Iron Man there were many a discussion about things I was maybe gonna do in the Marvel Universe,” said Griffin in closing. “I know that I will re-enter one of the universes very soon.”
Central Intelligence arrives in theaters June 17.
