Ken Jeong Takes on a Serious Role in New Crime Thriller

Ken Jeong, known for his comedic roles in movies like "The Hangover" and "Crazy Rich Asians, " is switching gears to tackle a serious part in the upcoming crime thriller "52nd State. " This film is being shot in Bogotá, Colombia, and is directed by Todd S. Yellin, who used to be Netflix's VP of product. Reed Hastings, the co-founder of Netflix, is also involved as an executive producer, marking his first time in this role. In "52nd State, " Jeong plays Jay Hailey, a U. S. Postal Inspector who gets caught up in a big investigation. This investigation reveals a tech-based scam that targets elderly Americans. As Hailey digs deeper, he faces both personal struggles and the challenges of the system he works for. The movie is based on real events and also stars Moisés Arias, Teresa Ruiz, Ignacio Diaz-Silverio, and Augusto Aguilera. Jeong is currently seen on "The Masked Singer" and will host a new game show called "99 to Beat. " He is also set to appear in a Christmas comedy with Arnold Schwarzenegger. Director Yellin praised Jeong's performance, saying he brings intelligence and empathy to the role. He compared Jeong to other comedians who successfully transitioned to dramatic acting, like Bill Murray and Robin Williams. Jeong expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, saying it was a meaningful experience that pushed him as an actor. He thanked the director and producers for trusting him with this role. Jeong is represented by several talent agencies, including Goodman, Genow, Untitled Entertainment, and Independent Artist Group.