Sony is making moves today. First we hear theirVenommovie has come back to life, and now the studio’s ambitious23Jump Street/Men in Blackcrossover is firmly moving forward. We learned last spring that the studio was looking to revive itsMen in Blackfranchiseby crossing it overwith their successfulJump Streetfranchise, and now those plans are coming to fruition asVarietyreports thatThe MuppetsdirectorJames Bobinis in early talks to take the helm.
Jonah HillandChanning Tatumwill reprise theirJump Streetroles in the film, which Sony is hoping to have ready to start production in June. However,Will SmithandTommy Lee Joneswillnotbe appearing, meaning this crossover serves as reboot forMen in Blackwith the opportunity to cast two young up-and-comers as the proverbial Men in Black. This will no doubt become one of the most sought-after projects for any actor between the ages of 18 and 30, so prepare yourselves for a slew of casting shortlist stories.
Phil LordandChris Millerwill produce the film as they’re too busy to direct on account ofsome little Han SoloStar Warsspinoff moviethat they’re directing for Disney.Neil Moritz, who produced the first twoJump Streetmovies, will also produce this crossover. Bobin, meanwhile, is coming off of jumping fromThe Muppetsto the high-profile Disney sequelAlice Through the Looking Glassso he has plenty of experience A. With big effects budgets and B. Stepping into the shoes of accomplished filmmakers. His work onDa Ali G ShowandFlight of the Conchords, which he co-created, also bodes well for his handle on the very specific comedic tone of this crossover.
This essentially serves as a way to do23 Jump Streetwithout having to address the glorious joke during the closing credits of22 Jump Street, as this isn’t an officialsequelso much as a crossover—although a cameo fromBill Hader’s chef couldn’t hurt. I’m curious to see exactly how this film will work, but Tatum and Hill have such great chemistry that I’m sure they’ll translate to theMen in Blackrealm perfectly. Dropping Jenko and Schmidt into the secret world of extra terrestrial activity makes for endless possibilities, so I’m eager to see this one come together.
