I always start out these casting announcements with a recap of the year to give you guys a quick reminder on all of the different projects Channing Tatum has in the works. Well, at least, it used to be quick…
It truly has been a banner year for Chan! Since January, he has successfully released his romantic drama ‘Dear John‘, wrapped on four new films (Steven Soderbergh’s action-revenge spy thriller ‘Haywire‘, Dito Montiel’s crime thriller ‘Son of No One‘, Vince Vaughn’s comedy ‘The Dilemma‘ and ‘The Vow‘ with Rachel McAdams), shot the film shorts ‘Morgan & Destiny’s Eleventeenth Date‘ and ‘Ten Year‘ and reshoots for Kevin MacDonald’s Roman drama ‘The Eagle‘, executive produced and premiered the political documentary ‘Earth Made of Glass‘ at the Tribeca Film Festival, signed on to the inspirational detox drama ‘What’s Left of Us‘, the next ‘Avatar’ (aka ‘Ion‘), the crime drama ‘The Contortionists Handbook‘, and the indie drama ‘Love and Honor‘ and is producing the high school reunion film ‘Ten Year‘ with wife Jenna Dewan-Tatum.
I can now confirm that the enterprising actor and producer has added yet another role to his continuously growing list of projects…
Earlier this month the film industry site Deadline Hollywood reported that Chan had “jumped to the top of the list for the lead of Sony Pictures’s ’21 Jump Street‘” and said that he would soon begin negotiations to star alongside Jonah Hill in the comedy.
From previous conversations, I knew that Chan was extremely interested in working with Jonah and as a fan of the 80′s TV show the film is loosely based on, I was really excited about this news.
I was also able to confirm with Chan’s agent that negotiations had not actually begun yet, so I had to hold off on reporting this particular news item to you guys.
Because things often move very quickly in the world of Mr. Tatum, we didn’t have to wait very long, and I can now happily report that ‘21 Jump Street‘ is officially a done deal. Chan will be starring in the film with comedian/writer Jonah Hill, and both Chan and Jonah will also be executive producers on the project.
The popular “21 Jump Street” series, which starred the now iconic Johnny Depp and several other young stars, was considered an early hit for Fox Broadcasting when it aired from 1987-1991, and it focused on young cops with youthful appearances who work undercover in high schools and colleges.
Although the original show had a more serious vibe with a bit of comic relief thrown in every now and then, a trusty little birdy who’s read the script told me that ’21 Jump Street’ (the film) is definitely a more comical, tongue-in-cheek take on the show in a ‘Pineapple Express‘ or ‘Superbad‘ type of style. It’s also been reported that Chan and Jonah will play completely new characters that were not featured on the original show.
Because of the comedic focus of the current script, it’s not your mama’s ‘21 Jump Street‘, but Chan’s comical reboot of ‘Dirty Dancing’ was HI-larious, so I can’t wait to see what Jonah and Chan do with this one.
The film will be directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller from a screenplay by Michael Bacall based on a treatment from Hill and Bacall. Neal H. Moritz will produce the film with Stephen J. Cannell, who will receive posthumous credit.
Commenting on the announcement Doug Belgrad, president of Columbia Pictures, had this to say about the film…
“Jonah helped create a smart and funny vehicle that is tailor-made for him and Channing. They are a perfect duo for this film and Phil and Chris have a terrific, accessible take on the material. We love how this movie has come together and are very excited to begin production this spring.”
IMDB is already reporting that, in addition to Chan and Jonah, ‘21 Jump Street‘ will have a March 16, 2012 theatrical release date in the US and an April 20, 2012 release date in the UK.
CONGRATS to Chan on racking up yet another acting and executive producing credit!!!
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Really? A re-make of the hit TV series? Cool! Chan is busting out into comedy, huh? Lol!
In my English endeavor
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Today dream to come to Taiwan ~ signature singing ~ playing with us all ~ you said very early to know @ @
Really have enough fun ~ hope you come to Taiwan to play ~ Ye Hao expect you to a lot of things happen to Taiwan ~ ~ dream of you in my dreams ~ I well want to record write down – the next I hope I He wrote down ^ ^ ~~