Today it has been announced that Grammy-nominated rapperJack Harlowhas been cast as the lead in an upcoming remake of the 1992 sports comedyWhite Men Can’t Jump. The film will be the acting debut of the artist and will be directed by the prolific and award-winning music video directorCalmatic.
The originalWhite Men Can’t JumpstarredWesley SnipesandWoody Harrelsonas a pair of basketball players who decide to work together to hustle money playing on the streets. The film also starredRosie Perez,Tyra Ferrell,Kadeem Hardison, and even featured a cameo from lateJeopardy!hostAlex Trebekas himself. It was written and directed byRon Shelton, who is also known for writingBad Boys II.
Harlow is said to be playing the role originated by Harrelson, no word currently on who is being looked at to play Snipes role. Harlow has recently been making waves in the music industry, after releasing several mixtapes and EPs over the years, he released his first studio album “That’s What They All Say” in 2020. The album peaked at number 5 on the Billboard 200 in the U.S. and since its release has collaborated with a number of large artists likeLil Nas XandEminem.
RELATED:‘Hustle’ Trailer Reveals Adam Sandler as a Washed-Up Basketball Scout in Netflix’s Sports Drama
This remake was actuallyfirst announcedall the way back in 2017 whenBlack-ishcreatorKenya Barrissigned on to the project. At the same time, it was also announced that professional basketball playersBlake GriffinandRyan Kalilwould be serving as executive producers on the project. It has also now been revealed thatDoug Hall, a story editor onBlack-ishhas joined Barris in writing the script for the remake.
Calmatic, who will be directing the film, has made a name for himself by directing a number of music videos for artists likePharrell Williams,Khalid, andVince Staples. Calmatic also directed the award-winning music video for Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road”. His feature film directorial debut, a comedy calledHouse Party, is expected to release later this year.
TheWhite Men Can’t Jumpremake will be produced by Barris through his production company Khalabo Ink Society. Griffin and Kalil will be executive producing the film withNoah Weinsteinthrough their label Mortal Media. Additionally, Hall andE. Brian Dobbinswill also be serving as executive producers on the project.
Stay tuned to Collider for any further updates on this remake ofWhite Men Can’t Jump.
