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Jonah Hill Writing 21 Jump Street Adaptation

by Alex Billington
May 14, 2008

Just when you thought Hollywood was already settling after yesterday's rumor regarding Paul Thomas Anderson directing Metal Gear Solid, another insane bit of news hits. EW.com claims they have confirmation last time (after this rumor fell through) that Superbad's Jonah Hill is in negotiations to write and executive produce an adaptation of the popular 80's TV show 21 Jump Street. What?! I like Jonah Hill, but since when did he become a screenwriter? Sony has confirmed that he'll write and produce, but they're not sure whether he'll star yet. I think that decision is up to him, but honestly this sounds like something quite unique in th works. Why? Why let me tell you...

The series, which ran from 1987 to 1991 on Fox for a total of 103 episodes, centered on a group of young cops whose youthful appearance allowed them to work undercover in high schools and colleges and search out troubled kids. Johnny Depp starred in the TV series as Officer Tom Hanson, who was assigned to "an elite squad of young undercover cops." I've actually never heard of this before, remarkably, but just hearing that I feel like its got the makings of a brilliant idea. Neal H. Moritz, of Click, Evan Almighty, I Am Legend, Made of Honor, and series co-creator Stephen J. Cannell will produce.

Why could this be cool? The show's idea isn't too old or overused at all, and with Jonah Hill writing, we've got someone fresh and new working on it. Normally I'd be calling him out given he's never written before, but that just means he might have immense potential that's just never seen the light of day. Look at what happened when Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg collaborated on an idea they came up with when they were kids - we got Superbad! My guess is Jonah Hill is a huge fan of the series and wants to update it and give it a great new spin, which is the fresh take that this would really need to actually succeed. I'm all for it and I'm already looking forward to seeing how it will come together. Drama or comedy? Just tell me Judd Apatow is also involved and this is gold!

Filed under Movie News

From around the web:

dre

They struck gold with this one, it would be a great action drama comedy because the TV show had all that.
REAL6

GOLD? They struck shit on a shoe with this one!!!! Jonah Hill should pack it in and move to India...
http://www.napiersnews.blogspot.com Napiers News

Alex, did I read this correctly? "I've actually never heard of this before, remarkably, but just hearing that I feel like its got the makings of a brilliant idea." Have you really never heard of 21 Jump Street before? Johnny Depp would not be in the stratosphere of mega stardom if it had not been for this series. This series led to movies which led to the Pirates franchise. Since Jonah Hill has a creative sense of humor and pop culture I feel that if this rumor is true the film could be good.
http://www.firstshowing.net Alex Billington

Remarkably no I hadn't heard of it... Just missed me I guess, one of those shows I'd never even heard of... But now I'm checking it out.
AT

I'm assuming this will be on the big screen? I'm not sure you can get away with saying "dick" and "p*ssy" being used as every other word on tv.
Charlie

Crazy news.
Dark Padme

Ive seen the series it was great, it will be interesting to see what he can do with the idea maybe a cameo ... Johnny Depp ... hes still rockin it
http://movieguyreviews4u.blogspot.com Ryan

I never saw the show but the concept sounds really cool and ridiculous.
Frame

I'm also surprised that Alex had never heard of the show before and I'm a young buck myself. Catchy ass theme song that show had... YouTube it.
silver

Sadly I first heard of this show on Night at the Roxbury but in my defense 21 Jump Street was before my time
wm

boring. Mod Squad? So...wearing snot rags on your head will be the new fashion to look foward to...great.
avoidz

I loved Jump Street back in the day. But Jonah Hill... fer chrissakes, that fatburger freak will fill the mouths of characters with more a thousand "fucks".