The "23 Jump Street" and "Men in Black" crossover was first heard last year during the Sony hack crisis but as time passed, its possibility dimmed; but in a recent development, it seems that the studio is pushing through the ambitious crossover.
In a report by Variety, it said that Sony is, indeed, planning a "23 Jump Street," "Men in Black" crossover movie and that "The Muppets" and "Flight of the Conchords" director James Bobin is already in early talks with Sony to direct the sci-fi action comedy film.
According to Variety, several directors met for the project but Bobin proved to be a favorite for some time. Bobin also recently worked on the "Alice in Wonderland" sequel, "Alice Through the Looking Glass."
The report added that although Phil Lord and Chris Miller, who directed the first two pics, are not returning to helm the crossover, they will be working on the project as producers along with Neil Moritz, Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald of Parkes + Macdonald. Lord and Miller, accordingly, are currently working on the solo "Han Solo" film with Disney.
Sources told Variety that Sony tapped Rodney Rothman to pen the script for the "23 Jump Street," "Men in Black" crossover and the "22 Jump Street" writer has already delivered the script, and according to Variety, Sony is pleased with it.
For the crossover, Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum will be reprising their roles as Jenko and Schmidt, respectively; but Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones will not be appearing as the iconic Agent Jay and Agent Kay. The report highlighted that the Sony execs seeks to relaunch the franchise with "younger, fresher faces."
No one is named yet to replace Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones but it may not be too soon before we get to know them.
"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," Collider wrote in its report.