On Sunday Kevin Hart was the celebrity who faced the wrath of the Netflix roast. But, in a weird turn of events, it turns out the producers tried (and, obviously, failed) to get Sir Paul McCartney first.
The live special was part of this year's Netflix Is A Joke Fest, and "Roastmaster General" Jeff Ross told Variety, "We did ask Paul McCartney at one point," he confirmed. "To me, that would be a fantasy roast. Paul McCartney doesn't need anything, but a Paul McCartney roast would be good for the world. It would be so funny to me because he is so loved."
Ross also contemplated future roast victims: "A pop star or a rock star would be great," he told Variety. A rapper would be great. I could see Drake getting roasted and being a great one. One of my all-time favorite ideas is Stevie Wonder. I always say 'The Roast of Stevie Wonder: You've got to hear it to believe it.'"
A 2025 report from Puck also revealed a candidate that was also considered was Will Smith. A source suggested to Variety that it would've been a way to rehabilitate his image after the infamous Oscar slap.
The Roast Of Kevin Hart is streaming now and predictably sparking controversy for Tony Hinchcliffe's joke about George Floyd. Also, while roasting Hinchcliffe, Pete Davidson called both him and Kanye West a "gay Nazi" as West watched from the audience.
Comedian Pete Davidson calls Ye a gay Nazi during Netflix's The Roast of Kevin Hart.
— XXL Magazine (@XXL) May 11, 2026
Ye was reportedly in attendance and heard the diss first-hand. pic.twitter.com/xSYcKkmscj
