Los Angeles: The world of Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill’s film “23 Jump Street” might merge with the “Men in Black” franchise for a crossover film “23 Jump Street-Men in Black”.
James Bobin, director of “The Muppets” and “Flight of the Conchords”, is in early talks to direct the action comedy, said sources, adding that Sony Pictures Studios plans to start its production in June, reports variety.com.
However, a spokesman for the studio had no comment regarding the news.
Hill and Tatum will return to reprise their roles as Jenko and Schmidt, respectively. They are also producing the film.
As for Agent Jay and Agent Kay, makers have already made it clear Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones will not be reprising the roles they made famous, as the studio is aiming to relaunch the franchise with younger and fresher faces.
Bobin will reportedly be stepping in for Phil Lord and Chris Miller, who directed the first two movies but are unable to direct the crossover due to their commitment to the “Han Solo”, which they’re helming at Disney.
The idea of intertwining both franchises into one film came to light during the Sony hack crisis in the winter of 2014 when a leaked email from former co-chair Amy Pascal surfaced, containing information regarding Hill’s involvement in the hybrid.
The plot details of the film are under wraps.
