Daddy's Home (film)

Plot

Brad Whitaker, a mild-mannered radio executive, works to be a good stepfather to his wife Sara's children, Megan and Dylan. He is seemingly sterile after an accident to his testicles. The children begin to warm to him: Dylan confides about bullies, and Megan asks him to take her to a father/daughter dance. Dusty Mayron, the biological father, calls to announce a visit.

Sara hesitates, but Brad convinces her to let Dusty stay. Dusty intimidates Brad with his tough appearance and charm, and soon reveals he intends to reclaim his family. He shows Brad up by getting the kids a dog named Tumor, finishing a treehouse, and making Brad seem racist after a fiasco with Dusty's motorcycle. Dusty invites handyman Griff to move in and takes the couple to a fertility doctor, hoping Brad's infertility will drive Sara back to him.

The men reach an understanding after teaching Dylan to defend himself, and Brad learns his sperm count has recovered. Dusty still intends to drive Brad out.

Brad spends tens of thousands on gifts, including a pony and NBA tickets. At the game, Dusty reveals he is friends with a Lakers coach. Brad learns Megan chose Dusty for the dance.

Production

In May 2013, Vince Vaughn was cast alongside Will Ferrell, who was also producing with Adam McKay. Etan Cohen was to direct. In June 2014, Mark Wahlberg replaced Vaughn, and Sean Anders took over directing while rewriting with John Morris. Red Granite Pictures replaced Good Universe as co-financer.

Linda Cardellini and Hannibal Buress joined the cast. Paul Scheer was added in January 2015. Principal photography began November 17, 2014, in New Orleans.

Filming took place at Edward Hynes Charter School and in the Lakeview area. A scene was shot during a New Orleans Pelicans and Los Angeles Lakers game. Tony Hawk was Ferrell's stunt double in a skateboarding scene and got hurt. Filming wrapped on February 6, 2015.

Reception

Daddy's Home grossed $150.4 million in North America and $92.4 million elsewhere, totaling $242.8 million against a $69 million budget. It is Ferrell's highest-grossing live-action film. Opening weekend gross was $38.7 million, finishing second behind Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a 30% approval rating based on 123 reviews, with the critical consensus noting the comedic chemistry of Ferrell and Wahlberg but a lack of funny ideas. Metacritic gave a score of 42 out of 100. Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave a B+.

Sofia Coppola named it one of her favorite films. Ferrell was nominated for a Teen Choice Award and won a Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Movie Actor. The film was nominated for a Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Movie.

Sequel

A follow-up, Daddy's Home 2, got the green light in April 2016, with Ferrell and Wahlberg back in their roles. Anders and John Morris handled the script, with Anders directing. Paramount initially approached Mel Gibson and John Lithgow, who later signed on.

Returning cast members included Linda Cardellini, Owen Vaccaro, Scarlett Estevez, and John Cena. The film hit theaters on November 10, 2017. Wahlberg later expressed hope of recruiting Liam Neeson for a potential third movie.

Did You Know?

• The film premiered in the United Kingdom on December 9, 2015, and was released theatrically there on Boxing Day, December 26, 2015.
• Daddy's Home was released digitally on March 8, 2016, and on Blu-ray and DVD on March 22, 2016.