Kevin Hart is typically known for his stand-up performances and box-office hits, where he brings viewers an endless number of jokes and even more laughs—but his latest Netflix flick has earned him the drama series stamp of approval.

Hart’s riveting crime thriller True Story, in which he stars alongside fellow actor Wesley Snipes, dominated the Netflix charts over the course of Thanksgiving break.

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In an interview with fellow Philly native and Black News Tonight host Marc Lamont Hill, Hart discussed his determination to be a great actor across genres that go far beyond comedy—though he doesn’t completely stray away from his true nature in the film. 

According to its official Netflix synopsis, “A world-famous comedian desperately searches for a way out after a night in Philadelphia with his brother threatens to sabotage more than his success.” 

Show creator and executive producer Eric Newman said Hart didn’t fail at using the film to his benefit, showcasing tremendous ability and an incredible dedication to the craft of acting. 

“I think part of the intensity of this show is Kevin’s attempt, his commitment to doing something truly dramatic, truly different, where people will say ‘whoa, that’s not any Kevin Hart I’d ever seen before,’” Newman said of the dramatic shift. 

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Hart told Hill his main goal when it comes to acting is being great for himself and not worrying about the comparisons others throw his way. It’s not about competition or the numbers or money attached, he said. 

“I think the hardest thing is just, making sure that the fanbase and the following aren’t thrown off too much by the move,” said Hart. “I baby stepped it.” 

The film is a product of HartBeat Productions, Hart’s own company he launched in 2009. From the actors he worked with in Fatherhood to his collaboration with Snipes, who plays his brother in the latest film, Hart said it’s all strategic. 

“You’ve seen enough from me [in the film] where you’re like, ‘He can do this, Kevin Hart can act,’” he told Hill. “Because of the way that I took my approach to it, it wasn’t something that had me off my rocker or made me nervous. I knew I would be fine.” 

Hart went on to say it was more about development and executing the story, from making sure the characters made sense to ensuring thriller moments were included—which was all with the alignment of the team. 

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It’s simple, noted Hart: “When you’re around greatness, you have no choice but to get great.” 

In Hill’s opinion, Hart has already received the biggest award possible, which is viewer appreciation.