Comedian and actor Kevin Hart takes center stage in the latest Netflix release, “Lift,” directed by F. Gary Gray, offering a unique twist involving non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
The film, available on Netflix since January 12, 2024, unfolds a story of the theft of both a half-billion dollars in gold during a flight and a valuable NFT.
The narrative kicks off at an art auction in Venice, featuring a one-of-a-kind NFT by the anonymous digital artist N8. Cyrus Walker (played by Hart) secures the NFT for $20 million, triggering a complex plot. Walker and his accomplices devise a plan not just to steal the NFT, but also to kidnap the artist, aiming to boost the NFT’s value.
Following the artist’s kidnapping, the NFT is swiftly sold for an impressive $89 million.
The film soon gained widespread attention, becoming the #1 trending movie. Discussions within the X (Twitter) community ranged from speculations on the resurgence of NFTs to the potential increase in their demand, as the movie made waves for days.
While this movie is the first to revolve around an NFT theft, digital collectibles have been making their mark in the entertainment and movie industry.
In July 2023, Warner Bros. offered the DC Comics superhero film “The Flash” as an NFT alongside its traditional digital release. Earlier, in June 2023, Warner Bros Home Entertainment introduced NFT-based bundles for the classic film “Superman: The Movie” from 1978.
Beyond NFTs, the film industry is also tapping into the metaverse, integrating it into productions or extending it to offer more immersive experiences for audiences.
In November 2023, director L.E. Staiman’s “Love Virtually” movie transported viewers to a world where the metaverse became an integral part of daily life, providing insights into how technology shapes human relationships.
