Back in March, we reported that the long-rumored crossover between theJump StreetandMen in Blackfranchises is actually happening, with filmmakerJames Bobinentering early talks to replacePhil LordandChris Millerat the helm. The studio made the project official during their CinemaCon presentation last month, but they didn’t confirm whether or notJames Bobinwas still set to direct the crossover, entitledMIB 23. While doing press for his upcoming movieAlice Through the Looking Glass,James Bobinconfirmed that he has signed on to direct this next chapter in both franchises.
Very little is known about the story at this point, butJump StreetstarsChanning TatumandJonah Hillare coming back asJenko and Schmidt. Though, don’t expectMen in BlackstarsWill SmithandTommy Lee Jonesto return. Leaked emails from the 2014 Sony hack revealed that those stars will not be back, with the studio looking to reboot theMIBfranchise with younger actors. Here’s what directorJames Bobinhad to say in an interview withComingSoon.net, when asked if he had signed on to directMIB 23.
“Yes, it’s very early stages, obviously, but I’ve always loved theMen in Blackworld.Channing [Tatum]andJonah [Hill]in21 Jump Streetare just so funny. Those guys and their world makes me laugh every time I think about it. That’s always a good sign for a film.”
22 Jump StreetwriterRodney Rothmanpenned the screenplay forMIB 23, which executives are pleased with, although no plot details have been made available. Sony is even keeping the script under lock and key, with the studio making agents drive out to the lot to read the script, in case their clients have any interest in this project. It was reported that Sony is looking to start production on thecrossoveras early as this summer, but that hasn’t been confirmed, and Sony hasn’t issued a release date at this time.
21 Jump Streetand22 Jump StreetdirectorsPhil LordandChris Millerwere initially tapped to direct, but they can’t take the helm, due to their involvement with theHan Solo: A Star Wars Storyspinoff, which is set for release in May 2018. The filmmakers are still on board as producers, alongsideNeal H. Moritz. It isn’t known if the studio is actively casting the actors for theMIBside of this crossover yet, but we’ll be sure to keep you posted as soon as we have more updates.
