The new White Men Can't Jump remake has locked in its lead stars. Following the prior casting announcement that rapper Jack Harlow would be starring in a remake of the 1992 sports comedy movie, Deadline has reported that Sinqua Walls (Power, American Soul) has just signed on to play a new version of the character originally played by Wesley Snipes. He'll be starring opposite Harlow, who is taking over Woody Harrelson's role.
The film will likely feature a similar plot to the original White Men Can't Jump, which was about two friends, one white and one Black, who hustle basketball players on street courts by taking advantage of the assumption that "white men can't jump." Based on Ron Shelton's original film, the reboot is directed by Calmatic, the helmer who's also behind an upcoming House Party remake. Kenya Barris wrote the screenplay for the new White Men Can't Jump with Doug Hall and will produce under his Khalabo Ink Society banner. Onboard to executive produce are Blake Griffin, Ryan Kalil, and Noah Weinstein via Mortal Media, as well as Doug Hall and E. Brian Dobbins.
Sinqua Walls has appeared in films like Shark Night, Believe Me, and Otherhood. The actor has also had sizable roles in the TV shows Friday Night Lights, The Secret Life of the American Teenager, Once Upon a Time, Teen Wolf, Power, and American Soul. More recently, Walls was cast in the Netflix movie Resort to Love and can also be seen in the upcoming horror film Nanny following its award-winning Sundance 2022 premiere.
White Men Can't Jump Also Stars Rapper Jack Harlow
Jack Harlow is making his acting debut with the new White Men Can't Jump. He is taking over Woody Harrelson's role, and it doesn't appear that there will be a special cameo from Harrelson himself to pass along the torch. Harrelson was recently asked about the reboot, and he made it clear that he's not interested in getting involved. But the actor is also happy that it's happening and offered his support to the new team.
"No, I think that’s really cool they’re doing that but I mean … Yeah, I can’t see reprising that role or even a cameo," Harrelson explained. "No, I mean, I’m glad they’re doing it and I hope it’s great! Hell, I hope it’s better than the original! But … I can’t see going down there, and getting down in Venice and pumping up my sneakers."
White Men Can't Jump, which also starred Rosie Perez and featured a special appearance from Alex Trebek, was a hit film when it was released in 1992. It garnered more than $90 million against its budget of $31 million, making it one of that year's higher-grossing films. Its critical reception was also rather strong, and in retrospect, the movie is also highly regarded as one of the decade's most memorable sports films.
The White Men Can't Jump reboot does not yet have an official release date set.