‘White Men Can’t Jump’ reboot to be produced by NBA star Blake Griffin
Veteran actors Woody Harrelson (L) and Wesley Snipes played the ball-hustilng Billy Hoyle and Sidney Dean in the original film. Screengrab from YouTube/Movieclips
Despite its somehow stereotypical title, the 1992 sports comedy flick “White Men Can’t Jump” has garnered itself a cult following and remains as one the most popular basketball films to this day.
With Hollywood’s recent penchant for rebooting classics, the universally-acclaimed film will reportedly have a second take with “Black-ish” creator Kenya Barris at the helm.
The Los Angeles Clippers’ power forward Blake Griffin, and the NFL’s Ryan Kalil will be producing the film, Variety reported.
Under the guidance of FOX studios, the pair of athletes will be making their movie-making debut through their Mortal Media producing company, along with partner Noah Weinstein.
The original film starred Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes as street basketball hustlers who team up to fool opponents on the basketball court and trick them for money.
The film’s title, which is common to hear in basketball and a knock to caucasian men’s athleticism, comes from Harrelson’s character’s (Billy Hoyle) inability to dunk a basketball.
Although details of the film have yet to be revealed, “Fantastic Four” stars Miles Teller and Michael B. Jordan are rumored to take on the lead roles, while actors Channing Tatum and Anthony Mackie are reportedly being considered as well.
The “White Men Can’t Jump” remake will certainly have big shoes to fill expectations-wise. The original earned more than $90 million at the domestic box office, and is recognized as one of the best sports movies ever made by critics such as the late Roger Ebert, praising it as “a comedy of great high spirits, with an undercurrent of sadness and sweetness.” Khristian Ibarrola
