Back on the Strip

Back on the Strip is a 2023 American comedy film directed and co-written by Chris Spencer in his feature film directorial debut. The film stars Wesley Snipes, J. B. Smoove, Gary Owen, Bill Bellamy, Spence Moore II, Raigan Harris, Faizon Love, and Tiffany Haddish. It was also produced by Snipes and Haddish with Luminosity Entertainment -- Franchise Pictures' successor after 17 years. The film also marks film producer Elie Samaha teaming up with Snipes for the first time since Zig Zag.
The film was released to theatres in the United States on August 18, 2023.

Premise

Merlin moves to Las Vegas in the hopes of becoming a famous magician, but gets waylaid by his natural gifts and a place with the Black male strippers The Chocolate Chips.

Cast

Wesley Snipes as Luther "Mr. Big"
Tiffany Haddish as Verna
JB Smoove as Amos
Gary Owen as Xander
Bill Bellamy as Tyriq
Spence Moore II as Merlin
Raigan Harris as Robin
Faizon Love as Desmond
Kevin Hart as Uptight Dad
Piper Curda as Gia
Emelina Adams as Bambi
Colleen Camp as Rita
Caryn Ward as Eve

Production

Eric Daniel and Chris Spencer co-wrote the film with Spencer also directing. Wesley Snipes and Tiffany Haddish appear in and co-produce the movie. Producers for Luminosity Entertainment are Geno Taylor, Missy Valdez and Elie Samaha. Speaking at the Oscar ceremony in 2022, Snipes confirmed that filming had been completed and he played a one-legged member of the strip group The Chocolate Chips, he also confirmed a role for Kevin Hart in the movie. In August 2022, Emelina Adams confirmed a role in the film and that she filmed on location in Vegas.