Alan Ritchson and Kevin James Team Up for Explosive Laughs in Prime Video’s Playdate
Prime Video has officially dropped the trailer for Playdate, the upcoming action-comedy that promises to blend suburban chaos with high-octane adventure — and fans can’t get enough of the unlikely duo at its center: Alan Ritchson (Reacher) and Kevin James (Paul Blart: Mall Cop). Directed by Luke Greenfield (Let’s Be Cops), the film is set to premiere November 12 exclusively on Prime Video.
A Playdate Gone Wild
The trailer opens with a slice of suburban awkwardness: Brian (Kevin James), a mild-mannered stepdad trying to bond with his new stepson Lucas (Benjamin Pajak), finds himself hilariously out of his depth when another dad, Jeff (Alan Ritchson), shows up at the park. Jeff, a muscular, ultra-confident father, throws a football with military precision while Brian struggles just to keep up.
What begins as a friendly playdate quickly escalates when Jeff and his son CJ (Banks Pierce) reveal that nothing about their lives is normal. Within minutes, the group is ambushed by mercenaries, turning their afternoon outing into a full-blown chase across town.
When Brian discovers that Jeff is hiding secrets — and that the mercenaries might be targeting CJ for reasons unknown — he’s dragged into a whirlwind of explosions, shootouts, and car chases, all while trying to protect his family.
From Playground to Battlefield
The trailer teases an energetic blend of buddy comedy and action spectacle. Highlights include:
Alan Ritchson performing jaw-dropping stunts — including lifting a kid into midair for a perfectly timed flying kick.
Kevin James behind the wheel of a minivan, driving it like it’s straight out of Fast & Furious.
The pair striding away from a fiery explosion — a classic action-comedy staple that’s sure to draw cheers.
Supporting the duo is an impressive ensemble:
Sarah Chalke (Scrubs) stars as Emily, Lucas’ exasperated mom trying to make sense of the chaos.
Alan Tudyk (Andor) takes on the villainous Simon Maddox, a shadowy figure orchestrating the mercenaries’ attack.
Ritchson Like You’ve Never Seen Him
For fans of Ritchson’s stoic, intimidating Jack Reacher, Playdate marks a refreshing pivot. While Jeff retains the physicality and tactical edge that made Ritchson an action favorite, the film injects his performance with humor and warmth. There’s a glimmer of absurdity — a man who can dismantle a mercenary team but still wants to be everyone’s best friend.
Kevin James, meanwhile, grounds the film with his signature everyman charm, providing comic relief without undercutting the stakes. His character’s fish-out-of-water reactions serve as a perfect counterpoint to Ritchson’s over-the-top intensity.
What Critics and Fans Are Saying
Early reactions from the trailer premiere suggest Playdate could be one of Prime Video’s surprise hits of the fall. Fans have already dubbed it “Reacher meets Daddy Day Care” and “The funniest action movie of the year.”
Film critic Brennan Klein, writing for Screen Rant, noted:
“While Ritchson channels the intensity of Reacher, his turn here is surprisingly comedic — full of joy, unpredictability, and chaotic charm.”
Prime Video’s Latest Power Move
With Playdate, Prime Video continues to expand its library of star-driven original content, mixing blockbuster energy with family-friendly humor. Following the success of Reacher and The Boys, this action-comedy signals the platform’s growing investment in genre hybrids that appeal to both action fans and casual viewers.
Final Thoughts
Playdate looks like the perfect storm of adrenaline and laughs — a family adventure gone explosively wrong, carried by two actors at the top of their comedic and action game.
Whether you’re here for the explosions, the heartwarming father-son chaos, or just to see Kevin James attempt a stunt that clearly should’ve been left to Alan Ritchson, this one’s bound to be a must-watch.
Mark your calendars — November 12, only on Prime Video.
