Paul McCartney Reportedly Turned Down Netflix’s Live Roast Before Kevin Hart Took Over

Netflix has been working to elevate its celebrity roast specials into significant live events. Following the massive success of The Roast of Tom Brady in 2024, the streaming service reportedly sought another major name to headline the next installment.

As reported by Variety, one of the prominent figures approached prior to Kevin Hart was none other than music icon Paul McCartney. The producers believed that the former Beatle would be an ideal choice for the roast format, aiming for another “GOAT” figure. Ultimately, McCartney decided to decline the offer.

Jeff Ross, the executive producer for the roast franchise and known as the “Roastmaster General,” confirmed this information during a conversation with Variety.

“We did ask Paul McCartney at one point. To me, that would be a fantasy roast,” Ross stated. “Paul McCartney doesn’t need anything, but a Paul McCartney roast would be good for the world. It would be so funny to me because he is so loved.”

Additionally, Variety mentioned that Netflix has considered several other high-profile celebrities for future roasts. One of the names rumored was Will Smith, with speculation that a roast appearance could help him publicly address the Oscars controversy with humor.

Netflix’s live roast format officially debuted in 2024 with The Roast of Tom Brady, which quickly became one of the platform’s most significant live comedy events. Kevin Hart hosted that special before later becoming the main target in this year’s roast event.

Ross elaborated that Netflix aims for these specials to feel larger than traditional celebrity roasts. “There are a lot of B-list celebrities who want to get roasted. I want it to be like the Super Bowl of roasting,” he told Variety in a previous interview.

He also teased future possibilities for the franchise, suggesting that musicians could be the next big targets. “A pop star or a rock star would be great. A rapper would be great,” Ross mentioned. “I could see Drake getting roasted and being a great one.”

The Roast of Kevin Hart streamed live on Netflix from the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, featuring comedians and celebrity guests such as Chelsea Handler, Pete Davidson, Regina Hall, Dwayne Johnson, and Katt Williams.

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