Milestone Years
- 15th Anniversary: March 16, 2027
- 20th Anniversary: March 16, 2032
- 25th Anniversary: March 16, 2037
Inspiration Behind the Movie
The film is based on the 21 Jump Street TV series (1987–1991), which launched Johnny Depp’s career. Instead of a straightforward reboot, directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller turned the premise into a self-aware comedy that pokes fun at action movie clichés and high school stereotypes.
You Might Not Know
- Channing Tatum Almost Turned It Down – He wasn’t sure about doing comedy but later admitted it was one of his favorite roles.
- Johnny Depp’s Surprise Cameo – The original 21 Jump Street star secretly filmed his role and even joked about his character’s fate.
- The Movie Makes Fun of Reboots – A running joke is how ridiculous it is to bring back an old police program, mocking Hollywood trends.
- Jonah Hill Helped Develop the Script – He pitched the idea of making the reboot a comedy rather than a serious action film.
- Ice Cube Improvised Many of His Lines – His Captain Dickson character delivers some of the funniest unscripted moments.
Food Ideas
- Undercover Tacos – Hidden ingredients inside, just like Schmidt and Jenko’s secret identities.
- HFS Energy Shots – Inspired by the fictional high school drug in the movie (but non-lethal, of course).
- Explosive Nachos – Loaded nachos with extra spice for an action-packed kick.
- “Cool Kid” Smoothies – Trendy fruit blends inspired by high school cliques.
Release Date: March 16, 2012
Summary:
21 Jump Street is a hilarious action-comedy that reimagines the classic ’80s TV series. Rookie cops Schmidt and Jenko, once high school rivals, are sent undercover as students to bust a drug ring. But when they accidentally switch roles and struggle to fit in, their mission becomes a chaotic mix of teenage drama, action-packed chases, and nonstop laughs.
Genre(s) and MPAA Rating: Action, Comedy, Crime, R
Key Cast Members:
- Jonah Hill as Morton Schmidt
- Channing Tatum as Greg Jenko
- Brie Larson as Molly Tracey
- Dave Franco as Eric Molson
- Ice Cube as Captain Dickson
Ways to Celebrate
- ’80s vs. Modern High School Debate – Compare the differences between the original show’s high school and the movie’s version.
- Buddy Cop Movie Marathon – Watch 21 Jump Street alongside classics like Bad Boys or Lethal Weapon.
- Undercover Identity Game – Each person writes a fake name and backstory and has to stay in character all night.
Filming Locations
- New Orleans, Louisiana – Despite being set in California, the movie was primarily filmed in New Orleans.
- Metairie, Louisiana – The high school scenes were shot at Riverdale High School.
- French Quarter, New Orleans – Used for party and chase scenes.


