Looks like the pieces are finally in place for the long-gestating film adaptation of “21 Jump Street” which has been valiantly shepherded throughout by Jonah Hill. Speaking with MTV at the Critics’ Choice Awards over the weekend, the actor has provided an update on the production noting that “the ball’s very slowly rolling” and adding “We’re gonna shoot April 11 in New Orleans. I’m excited. I’ve never been to New Orleans before.”
The R-rated adaptation features a script by ‘Scott Pilgrim‘ writer Michael Bacall who had previously and excitingly described the pic as “John Hughes meets ‘Bad Boys,'” with “Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs” helmers Chris Miller and Phil Lord at the helm for the story of “a couple of dudes who haven’t quite worked out their emotional issues with high school, who are returning to high school.” Count us in.
The start date now in place, casting will probably kick into gear with Hill and Channing Tatum currently lined up to play the film’s two leads but no supporting cast in place as yet. It should be pretty exciting to see what kind of talent Hill brings on board with at least a few of his usual Apatow crew surely getting a phone call soon. His “Superbad” co-star Emma Stone was actually briefly linked to the project before scoring a lead role on the currently shooting “Spiderman” reboot — and subsequently ruling herself out for this fellow Sony project — while Johnny Depp has expressed an interest in returning to the high school hallways that began his career for a cameo.
“21 Jump Street” will hit theaters on March 16, 2012.