(Credits: Far Out / Vertical)
Tue 24 February 2026 3:00, UK
Adam Sandler has helped curate a group of fellow comic stars he often appears alongside in his Happy Madison productions, among whom Rob Schneider and David Spade were already established stars by the time he caught them, but Kevin James was a slightly more obscure stand-up comedian.
Critics tend to lambast Sandler and his style of comedy, but he’s proven to be a powerful friend for those interested in rising through the ranks, and it was shortly after making a cameo in the rom-com 50 First Dates that James became Sandler’s actual co-star in I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry. Despite receiving universally scathing reviews, it was successful enough to spark interest in James as a leading man in his own right.
Paul Blart: Mall Cop was designed to be his breakout vehicle in the same way that Happy Gilmore and Billy Madison had been for Sandler in the late ‘90s, and would find James playing the titular role of an aspiring police officer from New Jersey who is unable to pass the state’s physical fitness test, and is thus forced to work security at a local mall. Although Sandler was involved as a producer, James was at the centre of the film as both the star and co-writer.
Taking on a first star vehicle can be a terrifying process, and the actor revealed that the first cut of the film turned out so badly that he thought he might never work again. “We shot it, and we edited it, and you know what it’s like seeing the first cut of a movie,” he said, “It’s horrendous. I thought my career was over, and we were so panicked.”
Fortunately for James, Sandler had a vast amount of experience working on films, some of which threatened to collapse halfway through, so as a producer, he was able to wield his power to ensure that Paul Blart: Mall Cop worked as a showcase for his friend.
“He saved me,” recalled James said, “He made my movie Mall Cop. I would never have gotten that made. Adam goes, ‘Relax, buddy. Let me check it out’. He looked at it. He let areas breathe, and he just knew what to do with it, and he made the movie that was. It was just amazing.”
While no one would claim that Paul Blart: Mall Cop is an instant classic, the film did fulfil expectations for what a family-friendly comedy could be, and more importantly, established James as someone who could lead his own film, and didn’t have to just be a supporting player.
It led to a brief period in which he was the lead in several other comedies, including Zookeeper, Here Comes the Boom, and The Dilemma, but by the time the sequel, Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2, was released, James’ star power had begun to fade.
Fortunately, he had stayed relevant by co-starring in many of Sandler’s other comedies, including both Grown Ups films, Pixels, and the Hotel Transylvania franchise, proving that Sandler may not always be praised by critics, but is an invaluable friend for anyone looking to make a break for themselves in comedy.