Channing Tatum Still Hopes ’23 Jump Street’ Will Happen
Fans of the “Jump Street” franchise, which includes the hit films “21 Jump Street” and “22 Jump Street,” have long been awaiting a third installment. The good news is that Channing Tatum, one of the franchise’s stars, is just as eager to see “23 Jump Street” come to life.
In a recent interview with ComicBook.com during the promotional tour for his upcoming film “Fly Me to the Moon,” Tatum expressed his enthusiasm for the potential sequel. “There is a project that was written, and it’s still the best script that I’ve ever read for a third movie,” he revealed.
When asked by his “Fly Me to the Moon” co-star Scarlett Johansson about the status of the project, Tatum explained, “It’s just a lot of bureaucracy, kind of above the line stuff. It’s really hard to get it made, and we’ve been trying to get it done.”
Despite the challenges, Tatum remains optimistic. “You know what,” he said, “I’m going to put some good juju out there and say I would love to see ’23 Jump Street.’ I would love to do it with Jonah, and Jonah I know wants to do it. We would love to just get to go play again.”
The “Jump Street” films, which starred Tatum, Jonah Hill, and Ice Cube, were directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. They were a comedic remake of the 1987-1991 Fox drama “21 Jump Street,” which followed a squad of youthful police officers who go undercover in high school and later college. The films played up the fact that these officers were clearly adults for comedic effect.
Following the critical and box office success of 2014’s “22 Jump Street,” plans were made for “23 Jump Street.” This time, the film was to be written and produced but not directed by Lord and Miller. The new installment was envisioned as a crossover with the “Men in Black” franchise.
However, the sequel was quietly abandoned in 2013. If Tatum’s enthusiasm is any indication, the script for “23 Jump Street” was as promising as it sounds. “Here’s hoping his ‘good juju’ works to bring it back from the dead,” Tatum said.
The dream of “23 Jump Street” isn’t dead, and Tatum’s recent comments have reignited hope among fans. Speaking to ComicBook.com, Tatum reiterated his desire to make the third film in the franchise. “I would love to do it with Jonah, and Jonah, I know, wants to do it. It’s just a lot of bureaucracy, kind of above the line stuff. It’s really hard to get it made, and we’ve been trying to get it done,” he said.
The pair played police officers going undercover as high school students in the first film and college students in the second. The latter made jokes about myriad sequels, showing Tatum and Hill undercover as ballet students, medical students, foreign exchange students, and more.
In 2014, Sony Pictures officially put a third movie in development, with “22 Jump Street” scribe Rodney Rothman hired to pen the script. It was later revealed during the notorious Sony hack that “23 Jump Street” was being designed as a crossover with the “Men in Black” franchise. Variety reported in March 2016 that the crossover film was moving forward with director James Bobin, but it ultimately never got off the ground.
“There is a project that was written, and it’s still the best script that I’ve ever read for a third movie,” Tatum told ComicBook.com. He added that the sequel was never made because of “a lot of bureaucracy, kind of above the line stuff. It’s really hard to get it made, and we’ve been trying to get it done.”
“You know what, I’m going to put some good juju out there and say I would love to see ’23 Jump Street,'” Tatum added. “I would love to do it with Jonah, and Jonah I know wants to do it. We would love to just get to go play again.”
Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, 2012’s “21 Jump Street” was a box office hit, grossing $200 million worldwide. The 2014 sequel was even bigger, raking in $331 million worldwide.
The “Jump Street” films have a special place in the hearts of fans and the actors alike. The chemistry between Tatum and Hill, combined with the sharp writing and direction of Lord and Miller, made the films a success both critically and commercially.
While the future of “23 Jump Street” remains uncertain, Tatum’s recent comments have given fans a glimmer of hope. The actor’s enthusiasm and commitment to the project suggest that, despite the bureaucratic hurdles, the dream of a third “Jump Street” film is still very much alive.
As fans continue to wait, they can take comfort in knowing that Tatum and Hill are just as eager to return to their roles and bring more laughter to audiences worldwide. Here’s hoping that Tatum’s “good juju” will eventually lead to the long-awaited “23 Jump Street.”
Source: ComicBook.com, Variety, TheWrap
