Channing Tatum reveals '21 Jump Street' and 'Men in Black' crossover is “the best script” ever

The actor previously expressed his enthusiasm for the project in 2014 after a Sony email leak.

In an unexpected twist of Hollywood ambitions, Channing Tatum has reignited talks about a potential blockbuster mashup that would blend the worlds of "21 Jump Street" and "Men in Black."

Confirming earlier rumors stemming from a 2014 Sony email leak, Tatum expressed his enthusiasm for "MIB 23," a crossover project that was once actively developed but eventually shelved before production.

"There is a project that was written and it’s still the best script that I’ve ever read for a third movie," Tatum revealed to ComicBook.com. The actor, known for his roles in the "Jump Street" series alongside Jonah Hill, has been vocal about his desire to see the ambitious crossover come to fruition.

The concept originally pitched by "Jump Street" creators Phil Lord and Chris Miller would have seen Tatum and Hill's characters enter the world of the extraterrestrial government agency as new recruits. 

Despite initial excitement and praise for the script's quality, logistical hurdles and behind-the-scenes challenges stalled the project's progress.

"It’s really hard to get it made and we’ve been trying to get it done," Tatum lamented, acknowledging the complexities of Hollywood decision-making that have hindered the crossover's advancement. 

However, he remains optimistic about the possibility of reviving the project.

Tatum's co-star Scarlett Johansson in "Fly Me to the Moon" recently inquired about the sequel's status, prompting Tatum to explain that bureaucratic issues have been a major obstacle. 

Despite setbacks, Tatum emphasized his commitment to making "23 Jump Street" a reality, expressing his eagerness to collaborate with Jonah Hill once more.

While the original "Men in Black" stars Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones were not expected to join the crossover in significant roles, the potential film generated significant buzz among fans and critics alike for its innovative premise.

According to reports from Time, the project had garnered praise internally, with Hill describing the script as "clean and rad and powerful." 

Additionally, spin-off discussions have included variations such as "Jump Street: Now For Her Pleasure," featuring a female-led cast that could potentially include Zendaya, Awkwafina, and Tiffany Haddish, as reported by sister screenwriters Wendy Molyneux and Lizzie Molyneux-Loeglin.

Despite the challenges, Tatum's persistent advocacy for "MIB 23" underscores his enduring passion for the project, leaving fans hopeful for a cinematic crossover that could redefine franchise collaborations.