In the realm of blockbuster franchises like Jumanji, the dynamic quartet of Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan have carved out a unique space, offering a refreshing take on heroism compared to the typical superhero narratives dominating our screens. Imagine, for a moment, this comedic powerhouse venturing into the comic-book universe. Picture Gillan reprising her formidable role as Nebula from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Johnson embodying the imposing Black Adam from the DC Extended Universe, and Black donning the iconic luchador mask of Nacho Libre. This begs the question: within this vibrant superhero tapestry, Who Is Honky Pete, the character envisioned for Kevin Hart?
This intriguing question was posed to the stars themselves during a recent interview leading up to the release of Jumanji: The Next Level, courtesy of Fandom community member Roscoe Coaltrane. It was Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson who hilariously conceived an entirely new sidekick persona for Hart: enter Honky Pete.
Honky Pete: Black Adam’s Unlikely Sidekick
“I’d be Black Adam, looking at Honky Pete,” Johnson declared with a grin, painting a vivid picture. “You would see that movie. The Adventures of Black Adam and Honky Pete.” This spontaneous idea sparked uproarious laughter and immediate fan interest. While audiences eagerly anticipate Johnson’s portrayal of Black Adam on screen – a character historically known as Shazam’s adversary in the comics and soon in the DCEU – the prospect of a spin-off, The Adventures of Black Adam and Honky Pete, is undeniably captivating and, as Johnson himself put it, “the most f—ed-up movie.”
But what exactly would Honky Pete bring to the superhero table? What are the unique strengths of this newly imagined character? Kevin Hart, ever the comedian, was quick to define Honky Pete’s distinctive, albeit unconventional, superpower.
The Power of Pockets: Honky Pete’s Unique Ability
“He just has pockets,” Hart stated emphatically. “Because no other superhero has pockets. No other superheroes ever put anything in their pocket ever. Honky Pete would be the first superhero to be like, ‘Give me that!’” This witty exchange highlighted the playful banter between Johnson and Hart, showcasing their comedic chemistry and ability to riff off each other’s ideas. The humor lies in the mundane yet practical nature of Honky Pete’s power – pockets, something utterly ordinary yet surprisingly absent in the superhero world. Imagine a superhero finally equipped to carry everyday essentials!
For a deeper dive into Johnson and Hart’s hilarious discussion about Honky Pete and the contents of his pockets, you can watch the full video interview.
Alternative Superhero Roles for Kevin Hart
While Honky Pete was Johnson’s brainchild, Jack Black and Karen Gillan also chimed in with their suggestions for superhero roles that Kevin Hart could embody. Black playfully suggested Hart could take over roles like Daredevil, previously played by Charlie Cox, or even Spider-Man, famously portrayed by Tom Holland, within the MCU. Gillan, on the other hand, envisioned Hart succeeding Paul Rudd as Ant-Man.
Expanding beyond existing roles, Black proposed, “I think he’d be a good stretchy guy [Mr Fantastic] from The Fantastic Four,” while Gillan humorously suggested Hart could even replace Henry Cavill as Superman in the DCEU. These suggestions, ranging from the stretchy Mr. Fantastic to the iconic Superman, further underscore the comedic and versatile range that Hart brings, even in hypothetical superhero scenarios.
Conclusion: Honky Pete and the Jumanji Cast’s Playful Imagination
The concept of Honky Pete, Black Adam’s pocket-powered sidekick, perfectly encapsulates the light-hearted and imaginative spirit of the Jumanji cast. It’s a testament to their comedic timing and camaraderie that a simple interview question could spark such a funny and engaging character concept. While The Adventures of Black Adam and Honky Pete may remain a delightful fantasy, it offers a glimpse into the playful minds of these actors and their ability to entertain audiences both on and off-screen. The discussion around who is Honky Pete not only provides laughs but also highlights the unique charm and chemistry of Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart, solidifying their status as a beloved comedic duo.
