Vince Vaughn is set to star in a new sci-fi action comedy on Hulu, which will feature a reunion with a former co-star.
Director BenDavid Grabinski recently disclosed that the gathering of cast members for the Hulu original, Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice, especially the reunion with a co-star from a beloved film 22 years ago, happened by sheer coincidence. The film, which debuted at SXSW and is both written and directed by Grabinski, stars Vince Vaughn as Nick and James Marsden as Mike. These two characters are criminals entangled in precarious situations involving a time machine, with Eiza González playing Alice, the woman both have feelings for.
During an interview with ScreenRant‘s Ash Crossan at SXSW for Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice, Grabinski discussed an unexpected reunion in the movie involving Vaughn and Stephen Root, who portrays Chet. Both actors were previously in the 2004 film Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story. Grabinski explained that the reunion was entirely unplanned:
Ash Crossan: Was the Dodgeball reunion with Stephen Root and Vince Vaughn planned?
BenDavid Grabinski: Actually, the only character I specifically wrote with an actor in mind was Stephen Root’s. He’s participated in everything I’ve created. He even performed as NanoBots in the Scott Pilgrim series, just making noises during a recording session. He’s listed as “and Stephen Root as the NanoBots.” I always knew he would play this part, so much so that I insisted on it when others suggested we consider different actors. I simply replied “No” in an email which didn’t go over well, but I think his casting turned out perfectly. It just so happened to create an accidental reunion from Dodgeball, as I had always intended for him to be involved.
As Grabinski notes, Stephen Root has appeared in several of his projects, including his 2021 directorial debut, the comedy thriller Happily, and a voice role in 2023’s Scott Pilgrim Takes Off. Their frequent collaboration makes Root’s involvement less surprising.
What does come as a surprise, however, is how Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice brings together Vaughn and Root after their last appearance in Dodgeball, a film now regarded as a cult classic sports comedy that was both a critical and commercial success upon its release. It presently enjoys a 72% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes.
While it remains uncertain how much interaction Vaughn and Root’s characters will have in this new Hulu film, the storyline suggests there could be significant moments between them. The fact that their reunion is coincidental underscores that the film’s appeal is based on its original premise rather than the nostalgic casting.
Reviews for Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice have been largely positive, despite some criticisms regarding its humor and presentation. Nonetheless, the film is expected to be a valuable addition to Vaughn’s body of work, potentially enhanced by the performances of the ensemble cast, including Root’s portrayal of Chet.
With the release of Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice just around the corner on Hulu, audiences will soon be able to witness the unplanned Dodgeball reunion between Vaughn and Root. Despite the uncertainty of their interaction, this reconnection marks a significant point in their careers, showing their enduring success 22 years on.
Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice is set to premiere on Friday, March 27 on Hulu.
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
