Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2

Behind the Scenes of Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2: Kevin James Returns as the Bumbling Hero

Six years after the original Paul Blart: Mall Cop became a surprise hit, Kevin James reprised his role as the lovable, accident-prone security guard in Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 (2015). Directed by Andy Fickman, the sequel swapped the mall setting for a Las Vegas security convention, promising bigger stunts, more laughs, and a fresh batch of chaos. But how did the cast and crew approach the follow-up to a cult comedy? Here’s what the limited behind-the-scenes evidence reveals—and where the details get fuzzy.

A Familiar Team Reunites

The core creative team behind Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 stuck close to the original’s formula. Kevin James not only starred but also co-wrote the script with Nick Bakay, his collaborator on the first film . Director Andy Fickman, known for family-friendly comedies like Race to Witch Mountain and She’s the Man, returned to helm the sequel, bringing a lighthearted touch to the action-comedy hybrid .

The cast expanded slightly, with Raini Rodriguez reprising her role as Paul’s tech-savvy daughter, Maya, and new faces like Neal McDonough and Daniella Alonso joining the fray . David Henrie, best known for Wizards of Waverly Place, also signed on, adding to the film’s mix of slapstick and family-friendly humor . While the evidence doesn’t detail specific behind-the-scenes chemistry, interviews and featurettes suggest the cast embraced the film’s over-the-top tone. A cast featurette highlights the ensemble’s playful energy, with James at the center of the antics .

From Mall to Vegas: A Bigger (But Not Necessarily Better) Setting

The first Paul Blart film thrived on its confined mall setting, turning mundane security work into a backdrop for physical comedy. For the sequel, the production team took Paul Blart out of his element—literally. The film’s plot centers on Blart attending a security convention in Las Vegas, a shift that allowed for more elaborate set pieces, including Segway chases through casino floors and hotel hallways .

However, the move to Vegas may have come with trade-offs. While the evidence doesn’t confirm budget specifics, the sequel’s direct-to-video status in some markets (like France, where it was released under the title Paul Blart 2: Super Vigile à Las Vegas) hints at a more modest theatrical run . The same source gives the film a lukewarm 4/10 rating, suggesting audiences and critics found the sequel’s expanded scope less charming than the original’s cozy mall setting .

Kevin James and Andy Fickman on the Sequel’s Challenges

In a rare behind-the-scenes interview, director Andy Fickman discussed the pressure of following up the original Paul Blart film. While the snippet doesn’t include direct quotes, it implies that Fickman and James focused on preserving the character’s earnest, bumbling charm rather than reinventing the wheel . James, in particular, seemed committed to the role, with featurettes showing him fully embracing the physical comedy—including the film’s signature Segway stunts .

Still, the evidence is thin on whether the sequel faced production hurdles. No sources mention delays, reshoots, or creative conflicts, leaving the film’s development largely a mystery. What is clear is that the team leaned into the absurdity, with trailers and featurettes emphasizing the film’s mix of action and humor .

The Verdict: A Low-Stakes Follow-Up

Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 never aimed to be high art—it was a vehicle for Kevin James’ brand of physical comedy, wrapped in a family-friendly package. The evidence suggests the cast and crew approached the project with a lighthearted, almost workmanlike attitude, prioritizing fun over dramatic stakes. While the sequel didn’t earn the same cultural footprint as the original, it delivered exactly what it promised: a goofy, Segway-powered romp through Las Vegas.

For fans of the first film, the behind-the-scenes details are frustratingly sparse. There’s no confirmation of on-set pranks, improvisation moments, or deeper character backstories. What remains is a straightforward comedy sequel, built on the charm of its lead and the willingness of its cast to embrace the ridiculous.