This was originally supposed to premiere at the SXSW Film Festival on March 14, 2020, but the festival was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. theatrical release date of April 17, 2020, through MGM's Orion Pictures, was canceled for the same reason.
The movie was accidentally released on Amazon Prime Video on April 17, and taken down soon after. It was up long enough to be downloaded and leaked on pirating sites. Netflix bought the distribution rights from MGM a month later, and the leak did not impact the deal.
The movie was accidentally released on Amazon Prime Video on April 17, and taken down soon after. It was up long enough to be downloaded and leaked on pirating sites. Netflix bought the distribution rights from MGM a month later, and the leak did not impact the deal.
Lil Rel Howery stated on Jimmy Kimmel Live! (2003) that he almost quit the film over a mishap during the 'Chinese Finger Trap' scene, where he and Eric André were accidentally led to the wrong barber shop for filming. The shop owner was unamused and actually chased the two out with a knife as seen in the final cut. However, since they went to the wrong location, the security team were stationed at the shop that was supposed to be used in the film and unable to assist, which upset Howery. Upon venting to friend Tiffany Haddish, not only did she convince Howery to stay in the film, but approached Andre about being in it as well. As luck would turn out the producers were already looking to recast the role of Trina due to scheduling conflicts with the previously cast actress, and Haddish made it into the film.
There's a deleted scene that featured a cameo appearance by Chris Rock. The scene was cut due to the fact that people recognized him instantly.
The gorilla prank was originally going to be filmed at the Atlanta Zoo, but after being told about the prank, they didn't want to be involved with it.