21 Jump Street was a surprise hit, and a huge part of its success was the incredible cast. The movie brought together comedic powerhouses and rising stars in a hilarious action-comedy that resonated with audiences. While we eagerly anticipate any news about a potential 23 Jump Street, let’s take a look back at the talented actors who made both 21 Jump Street and its sequel, 22 Jump Street, so memorable. The chemistry and comedic timing of the cast are central to why the Jump Street franchise remains so beloved.
Dakota Johnson as Fugazy in 21 Jump Street, showcasing a scene with comedic undertones.
21 Jump Street, directed by the dynamic duo Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, introduced us to the unforgettable pairing of Jonah Hill as Schmidt and Channing Tatum as Jenko. These undercover cops, tasked with infiltrating a high school to dismantle a drug ring, provided non-stop laughs. Miller and Lord, known for their comedic genius in films like Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and The Lego Movie, expertly directed 21 Jump Street, setting the stage for the equally hilarious sequel, 22 Jump Street. The success of 21 Jump Street naturally led to 22 Jump Street in 2014, continuing the comedic journey of Schmidt and Jenko, and fans still hold out hope for 23 Jump Street to complete the trilogy.
Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill’s performances in 21 Jump Street are considered among their finest comedic work. Tatum, previously recognized for roles in films like Step Up and Dear John, showcased his unexpected comedic talent, perfectly complementing Hill’s established comedic prowess from hits like Superbad. 21 Jump Street not only solidified their comedic careers but also paved the way for 22 Jump Street to further explore their on-screen partnership.
Channing Tatum
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Channing Tatum Headshot
Actor: Channing Tatum has become a global movie star renowned for his versatility, seamlessly transitioning between comedy and action roles. He first gained attention in Coach Carter in 2005, playing basketball player Jason Lyle. Prior to his film career, Tatum was a dancer, appearing in music videos before his breakthrough role in Step Up. This success led to the popular Magic Mike franchise. While 21 Jump Street and 22 Jump Street highlighted his comedic talents, Tatum also demonstrated his dramatic range in Foxcatcher, a sports drama nominated for five Oscars, where he starred alongside Mark Ruffalo and Steve Carell.
Notable Works:
| Movie | Character |
|---|---|
| Coach Carter (2005) | Jason Lyle |
| Foxcatcher (2014) | Mark Schultz |
| Blink Twice (2024) | Slater |
Character: In 21 Jump Street and 22 Jump Street, Channing Tatum portrays Jenko, one half of the undercover cop duo. Jenko is the more athletic and less intellectually inclined of the pair, often leading to hilarious misunderstandings and situations as they navigate high school and college environments in their undercover operations.
Jonah Hill
[ 
Jonah Hill Headshot
Actor: Jonah Hill is a highly acclaimed and diverse actor in Hollywood. He achieved stardom with the 2007 teen comedy Superbad, alongside Michael Cera and Christopher Mintz-Plasse. Hill has starred in numerous successful comedies like Knocked Up, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and Get Him to the Greek. However, he has also earned two Oscar nominations for his serious roles in Moneyball and Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street, showcasing his range. Hill’s other notable projects include War Dogs, the Netflix series Maniac, and Mid90s, which marked his directorial debut.
Notable Works:
| Movie | Character |
|---|---|
| Superbad (2007) | Seth |
| Moneyball (2011) | Peter Brand |
| The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) | Donnie Azoff |
Character: Jonah Hill plays Schmidt in both 21 Jump Street and 22 Jump Street. Schmidt is the more socially awkward but quick-witted of the duo. His and Jenko’s contrasting personalities are a source of constant humor, especially as they attempt to fit in with high school and college students while trying to solve their cases.
Brie Larson
Brie Larson, an Oscar-winning actress known for both indie films and blockbuster roles, pictured in character.
Actor: Brie Larson is an Academy Award-winning actress who first gained widespread recognition in the cult classic Scott Pilgrim vs. the World in 2010. She starred in the series United States of Tara before appearing in 21 Jump Street in 2012. Larson has also starred in acclaimed independent films such as The Spectacular Now, Don Jon, and Short Term 12, which featured early performances by Rami Malek and Lakeith Stanfield. After winning an Oscar for her lead role in Room (2015), Larson joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as Captain Marvel in 2019 and recently starred in the Emmy-nominated series Lessons in Chemistry.
Notable Works:
| Movie | Character |
|---|---|
| Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010) | Envy Adams |
| Room (2015) | Ma |
| Captain Marvel (2019) | Captain Marvel |
Character: In 21 Jump Street, Brie Larson plays Molly Tracey, a high school student and Schmidt’s love interest. While her role in 21 Jump Street is more grounded, Larson’s comedic timing shines through, contributing to the film’s overall humor. Though not returning for 22 Jump Street, her presence in the first film was memorable.
Dave Franco
Dave Franco, known for his roles in comedy and thriller genres, pictured in a film still.
Actor: Dave Franco, the younger brother of James Franco, began his television career in 2006 with an appearance on 7th Heaven. He had early film roles in Superbad and Milk before gaining recurring roles in Scrubs and starring in the Fright Night remake in 2011. Franco played the antagonist Eric in 21 Jump Street, which significantly boosted his career. He went on to star in hits like Warm Bodies, Now You See Me, The Lego Movie, Neighbors, and Now You See Me 2. Franco also starred alongside his brother in The Disaster Artist and has appeared in If Beale Street Could Talk, The Afterparty, and Love Lies Bleeding.
Notable Works:
| Movie | Character |
|---|---|
| Milk (2008) | Telephone Tree |
| Neighbors (2014) | Pete |
| The Disaster Artist (2017) | Greg / Mark |
Character: Dave Franco plays Eric Molson in 21 Jump Street, the main antagonist and the target of Schmidt and Jenko’s investigation. Eric is a drug dealer operating within the high school, and Franco portrays him with a blend of arrogance and comedic ineptitude, making him a memorable comedic villain in 21 Jump Street. He did not appear in 22 Jump Street.
21 & 22 Jump Street Supporting Cast & Characters
Ice Cube as Captain Dickson in 21 Jump Street, delivering a stern yet humorous performance.
Ice Cube: Ice Cube is hilarious as Captain Dickson, the police captain who assigns the mission to Jenko and Schmidt in both 21 Jump Street and 22 Jump Street. Ice Cube is a legendary rapper and actor known for roles in Friday, Barbershop, and Ride Along. His comedic timing and stern demeanor as Captain Dickson are crucial to the humor of both films.
Nick Offerman: Nick Offerman plays Deputy Chief Hardy in 21 Jump Street. Best known for his iconic role as Ron Swanson in Parks & Recreation, Offerman has also appeared in Dumb Money, The Last of Us, and Civil War. His deadpan delivery adds to the comedic ensemble of 21 Jump Street.
Dakota Johnson: Dakota Johnson portrays Fugazy in 21 Jump Street, an acquaintance of Schmidt and Jenko. She is famous for her leading role in the Fifty Shades trilogy and has also appeared in The Social Network, Suspiria, and Madame Web.
Rob Riggle: Rob Riggle plays a P.E. teacher in 21 Jump Street and 22 Jump Street. Riggle is known for his comedic roles in The Hangover, Step Brothers, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Modern Family. His over-the-top comedic style fits perfectly within the Jump Street universe.
Ellie Kemper: Ellie Kemper plays a teacher at the high school in 21 Jump Street. She is best known for her roles in The Office, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Bridesmaids, and The Lego Batman Movie.
Jake Johnson: Jake Johnson is the high school principal in 21 Jump Street. Famous for his role as Nick Miller in New Girl, Johnson has also appeared in Jurassic World, BoJack Horseman, and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.
Chris Parnell: Chris Parnell plays drama teacher Mr. Gordon in 21 Jump Street. He has voiced Jerry in Rick and Morty since 2013 and has starred in comedies like Anchorman, Hot Rod, and Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story.
21 Jump Street Cameos
Johnny Depp’s surprise cameo in 21 Jump Street, a nostalgic nod to the original TV series.
Johnny Depp: Johnny Depp makes a surprising cameo, reprising his role as Officer Tom Hanson from the original 21 Jump Street television series (1987-1990). Depp’s return was a nostalgic highlight for fans of the original show.
Peter DeLuise: Peter DeLuise also returns as Officer Doug Penhall from the 21 Jump Street TV series. His cameo alongside Depp further connected the movie to its television origins.
Holly Robinson Peete: Holly Robinson Peete, the only actor to appear in all 102 episodes of the 21 Jump Street TV series, reprises her role as Officer Judy Hoffs, completing the trio of original cast cameos in the 2012 film.
The official movie poster for 21 Jump Street, highlighting the comedic duo of Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum.
The cast of 22 Jump Street, building upon the foundation of 21 Jump Street, delivered another round of uproarious comedy. While 23 Jump Street‘s future remains uncertain, the legacy of the first two films is firmly cemented thanks to the incredible ensemble cast and their comedic brilliance. The success of 21 Jump Street and 22 Jump Street is a testament to the talented actors who brought these hilarious characters to life.
21 Jump Street
R
Release Date March 14, 2012
Runtime 109 minutes
Director Phil Lord, Christopher Miller
Writers Michael Bacall
Sequel(s) 22 Jump Street
Cast
- [ Jonah Hill Headshot Jonah Hill
- [ Channing Tatum Headshot Channing Tatum
An adaptation of the TV series, 21 Jump Street features Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill as police officers and best friends going undercover in a high school to bust a drug ring. As they navigate the changed high school dynamics, their friendship is tested.
Franchise(s) 21 Jump Street
Budget $42 million
