This is because there is hardly any other public figure that deals with awkward or unexpected situations the way Kevin Hart does. A fast-thinking, self-aware comedian, Hart has recently become the focus of an uncharacteristic internet outburst when a wax statue was unveiled of him in Tennessee in the Hollywood Wax Museum. What would have been a simple tribute was quickly turned into a viral spectacle, which was mostly fueled by the response of Hart himself.
The statue, which was supposed to commemorate the large-than-life figure of the comedian, had him in the outfit of his black T-shirt, a leather jacket and his own gold chain. It appeared to be an appropriate portrayal at first sight. Nevertheless, it did not take long before fans and viewers online realized that something went wrong. The likeness, which is generally the typical characteristic of the wax figures, seemed to fall short in various manners. Even in the face, the expression and the presence as a whole, there was a lot of trouble in recognizing Hart in the character.
Hart himself did not restrain himself in looking at the statue. Rather than giving a polite, or even just a non-reaction, he threw himself into what he is most good at, which is humor. Going to Instagram, he uploaded a video in response to the statue, giving out a reaction that immediately called on the fans. “What did I do to these people…. This is an attack…. Who in the f**k is this?????? Now, at this stage, these museums are merely attempting to make me weep a river just like that one, see? This s–t has to stop…. I demand a redo damn it!!!!!!!” he said, catching his unbelief as well as his comic time, in a manner in which no one can do better than he does.
The video went viral and attracted millions of viewers in a very short time. Users on social media came in and made it a common joke and not a criticism. Others noted that the statue resembled a totally different celebrity whereas others just stated that they were confused how the statue was supposed to resemble. One fan jokingly wrote, You requested Kevin Hart and got Kevin The Weeknd. Another one added, You might be allowed damages. The overall tone was captured by a third comment which simply said, Lololol who is that supposed to be because NO!
Such reactions point to a larger anticipation people make as far as wax figures are concerned. Throughout the years, museums have developed an image of creating near-perfect replicas of celebrities that allow capturing complex details that make the figures nearly life-like. Once such expectations are not fulfilled, the difference is felt immediately. The real person and the statue losing touch with each other formed the centre of the conversation in the case of Hart.
The most interesting thing about this moment is the manner in which Hart reacted. His self-humor was impressive in a time when people in the limelight are usually pressured to have a polished image. It is an aspect that has characterized a good part of his career. Instead of staying apart when the joke was delivered, he immersed himself in it, which in effect controlled the situation and made it a chance to connect instead of embarrassing himself.
Even among those who criticized the statue and made jests, voices were heard which defended the statue or at least interpreted the humor differently. Long-time friend and constant co-star of Hart, Dwayne Johnson, provided a mock display of support. He replied to the situation stating that it was PERFECT, Don’t change a thing. His statement was a further funny point to the dialogue, which solidifies the friendship between the two on and off screen.
In order to see why this moment found such a large following it is useful to examine the journey of Hart and his image. He was born and brought up in Philadelphia, but has made his career on his own feet playing in tiny comedy houses until he was recognized on a bigger platform. His first stand-up specials, including I’m a Grown Little Man and Laugh at My Pain, reflected his hyperactive approach to storytelling and his skill at making everyday situations relatable jokes.
As the years passed by, Kevin Hart developed further by venturing past stand-up comedy into film and television. Films such as Ride Along, Central Intelligence and the Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle reboot, have introduced him to audiences around the world and have often cast him alongside Johnson in roles that have brought out their opposite personalities and comic interactions. This regular appearance in comedy and in general mainstream entertainment contributed to tightening his position among the most renowned personalities in the sphere.
The only difference that is distinguishing about Hart however is that he is relatable despite his success. His comedy has been based on personal experience, be it in the family life, relationships, or such challenges that people go through in their day to day life. This genuineness brings an element of familiar with them and the audience feels like laughing with him and not at him. It is the same way he did with the incident with the wax statues and made it a collective laugh instead of a source of irritation.
On a bigger scale, such cases also show the changing nature of the relationship between the celebrities and the audiences. The social media has built a platform around response that is collective with immediate reaction and is making personal experience a worldly discussion in just a few minutes. Such environment has the potential to influence the story being told by the manner in which a public figure reacts to it. The reaction of Hart can be viewed as an example of the way humor and authenticity may change the tone of a story.
Simultaneously, the incident also casts doubts on the quality and expectations of such institutions as the wax museums. Although the artistic interpretation is never an uninvolved aspect, the main purpose of such exhibits is to form recognizable and correct representations. Lack of such a balance may result in the type of public attention that we have in this instance. However, it also allows introducing the elements of lightness and interaction that could be otherwise absent.
The reaction of people to the statue is also somehow human. The combination of humor, criticism, and curiosity is an indication of a common need to experience authenticity even in the depictions that were entirely aimed at entertainment. It is not only whether the statue resembles the appearance of Hart, but the mutual understanding of the fact that something is a bit wrong.
