Buddy Games 2019

Movie · 90 min · English · February 10, 2019

Directed by Josh DuhamelWritten by Josh Duhamel, Bob Schwartz, Jude Weng

Starring Josh Duhamel, Olivia Munn, James Roday Rodriguez, Kevin Dillon, Dan Bakkedahl

Buddy Games is a 2019 American comedy film that serves as Josh Duhamel's first solo directing effort. The movie was written by Duhamel, Bob Schwartz, and Jude Weng. Michael J. Luisi and Weng handled production duties. The story follows six friends who come together after five years apart to take part in a series of difficult dares and challenges. Their goal is both to help one of their own overcome depression and to win $150,000 in the process. Duhamel stars alongside Dax Shepard, Olivia Munn, Kevin Dillon, and Neal McDonough.

The project was initially announced in June 2017 under a deal with WWE Studios. The cast was confirmed shortly after, with principal photography beginning two months later in Vancouver. The film made its debut at the 2019 Mammoth Film Festival. Saban Films secured U.S. distribution rights in July 2020. Critics largely responded negatively to the movie, focusing on issues with storytelling, comedy, direction, and character development.

A sequel to Buddy Games was released in 2023, featuring most of the original cast returning for their roles. That same year, CBS also aired a game show spin-off starring Duhamel as host.