Released in theaters on May 7, 2008, Jackpot (What Happens in Vegas) is a romantic comedy directed by Tom Vaughan, with a screenplay by Dana Fox. Starring Cameron Diaz, Ashton Kutcher, and Lake Bell, this film will soon be streaming on Netflix starting March 20, 2026.
The story kicks off in Las Vegas, the city that never holds back. Joy has just been dumped, and Jack has just lost his job. They don’t know each other, but after a wild night out and one too many drinks, they wake up… married. Determined to undo this impulsive mistake, their plans are upended when Jack hits the jackpot, winning $3 million on the slot machines thanks to a coin lent by Joy.
A New York judge has denied an immediate divorce and ordered the couple to remain in forced cohabitation. What follows is a hilarious domestic war: each partner tries to push the other to their limit to claim the winnings. Amidst tricks, sabotage, and surprising moments of connection, their battle over the jackpot might just lead to something more unexpected…
The story was born out of a creative spark from screenwriter Dana Fox, inspired by the famous saying: "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas." Captivated by impulsive weddings and unlikely strokes of luck, she envisioned a whirlwind encounter, an quick marriage... and a huge jackpot that turns everything upside down. The concept quickly resonated with Fox, and production moved rapidly, with Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher cast in the leading roles from early on in the process.
While Las Vegas provides a dazzling backdrop at the outset, the heart of the story unfolds in New York City. The stark contrast between the wild, high-energy Nevada landscape and the bustling urban environment shapes the narrative. Filming proved to be a logistical challenge, especially along the Vegas Strip, where the crew had to navigate large crowds of tourists gathered around the Bellagio and Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
Upon its release, the film was a hit with audiences, especially among younger viewers: Ashton Kutcher took home the Teen Choice Award for Favorite Movie Actor, and the movie was crowned Best Romantic Comedy for Men. It also received nominations at the Razzie Awards for Worst Screen Couple (Diaz/Kutcher) and Worst Actress.
Jackpot
Movie | 2008
Released in theaters: May 7, 2008
Available on Netflix starting from March 20, 2026
Comedy, Romance | Duration: 1h40
Directed by Tom Vaughan | Starring Cameron Diaz, Ashton Kutcher, Lake Bell
Original title: What Happens in Vegas
Country: United States
Amidst a backdrop of gender rivalry, romantic comedy, and glitzy settings, Jackpot fits right into the tradition of 2000s rom-coms, relying on the chemistry between its two leads and the timeless idea that an unexpected twist can sometimes alter a life forever.
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