A still from Uncle Drew (2018)
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[THE FILES] : Uncle Drew (2018) Film Profile: History, Box Office, Pepsi Origins & Legacy

Uncle Drew (2018) Film Profile: History, Box Office, Pepsi Origins, Legacy
Film Archive

Uncle Drew (2018)

Released: June 29, 2018 • Runtime: 103 Mins • Lionsgate / Summit Entertainment • Directed by Charles Stone III

Box Office & Viral Commercial Success

Commercial Performance $46.7 Million Worldwide More than doubled its $18 million production budget during its summer 2018 theatrical run.
Brand Crossover Origin Pepsi Digital Campaign Expansion Rare case of a viral, digital marketing campaign successfully transitioning into a feature film.
Studio / Production Lionsgate / Temple Hill Entertainment / Creators League Studio
Lead Cast Kyrie Irving, Lil Rel Howery, Shaquille O’Neal, Chris Webber, Reggie Miller, Lisa Leslie
Screenplay Writer Jay Longino
Genre Sports Comedy

**History & Synopsis**

Directed by Charles Stone III and released by Lionsgate in June 2018, Uncle Drew originated as a highly popular digital shorts campaign created by Pepsi Max in 2012. The narrative centers on Dax Winslow (Lil Rel Howery), an unlucky streetball team manager who drains his life savings to enter a team into the legendary Rucker Park Streetball Tournament in Harlem. After losing his star player and team to his longtime rival Mookie (Nick Kroll), a desperate Dax tracks down legendary playground hoop icon Uncle Drew (NBA superstar Kyrie Irving under prosthetic makeup). Agreed to compete once more, Drew insists on embarking on a road trip across the country to reunite his old basketball squad—Big Momma (Lisa Leslie), Lights (Reggie Miller), Boots (Nate Robinson), and Preacher (Chris Webber)—along with Big Momma’s martial-artist rival Big Fella (Shaquille O’Neal).

**Production Highlights & NBA Cameos**

  • Prosthetic Transformation: NBA stars underwent up to four hours of daily age-prosthetic makeup applications to transform into senior-citizen streetball legends.
  • Harlem Rucker Park Culture: Paid direct homage to classic streetball roots, incorporating legendary streetball announcers like Aaron “G-Wiz” Gordon and cameos by real-life HoF players including Dikembe Mutombo, Bill Walton, George Gervin, and Jerry West.
  • Hip-Hop & Urban Soundtrack: Featured original music and hits including ASAP Rocky’s “Cocky” (feat. Gucci Mane and 21 Savage), French Montana, and Kyrie Irving himself.

**Cultural Legacy**

  • Successful Commercial Extension: Proved that brand-sponsored digital content could successfully jump to the big screen as a profitable narrative feature film.
  • Contemporary Basketball Comedy Staple: Joining the ranks of White Men Can’t Jump and Space Jam, the film remains a favorite crossover entry between sports and comedy cinema.

**The Decked Out Review**

“Fun, charismatic, and packed with undeniable NBA star power, Uncle Drew converted a viral marketing campaign into a genuine basketball comedy hit.”
Director Charles Stone III
Studio Lionsgate / Summit Entertainment
Release Date June 29, 2018
Budget / Worldwide Gross $18M / $46.7M

The Trailer

A Still from the Movie

A still from Uncle Drew (2018)

Featured Photo: Lionsgate

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