The success of the Channing Tatum-Jonah Hill buddy cop sequel, 22 Jump Street, made another outing inevitable. Who’s gonna argue with a box office return that’d lift most countries out of debt? On a teeny-tiny $50 million budget, it grossed almost $320 million worldwide. That’s not to be sniffed at. Sony Pictures and Original Film, the labels behind the franchise, clearly agree, as development on a third entry, 23 Jump Street progressed a millimetre further today.
The threequel has secured writer Rodney Rothman, who scribbled the last outing and will begin work on a third part to the mischievous duo’s antics. While directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller haven’t signed on the dotted line yet, they’ll be overseeing Rothman’s work in a producer capacity. And probably going at his first draft with a red Sharpie. Also returning to produce are stars Tatum and Hill and original producer Neal Moritz.
I know what you’re asking right now: didn’t 22 Jump Street completely lambast the notion of never-ending franchises? Yes, the heavily-meta sequel was laden with a ton of cheeky nods and gags, lampooning the movie’s own sequel status. The end credits in particular offered a look at the possible future scenarios for the lawful pair, implying that none of them would actually happen. Money doesn’t just talk though, it shouts and screams and lets you buy a boat made out of ivory.
For now, we’ll have to wait and see the direction the producers intend to take it in. Could Schmidt and Jenko really go to med school? We’ll keep you posted when more news lands on the status of 23 Jump Street.