21 Jump Streetis one of the most memorable and hilarious comedies from the early 2010s, partly due to its great cast.21 Jump Streetfollows theunlikely duo of Jonah Hill’s Schmidt and Channing Tatum’s Jenko as two undercover copswho are sent on a mission to expose a synthetic drug ring at a local high school. The film was directed by Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the celebrated writing/directing pair who are collectively behindCloudy with a Chance of Meatballs(2009),The Lego Movie(2014), andSpider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse(2023).
While Christopher Miller and Phil Lord cashed in on the success of21 Jump Streetwith their immediatefollow-up sequel22 Jump Streetin 2014, there has been little movement on thepotential23 Jump Street, which would round out the trilogy. Tatum was able to flex his comedic talents opposite Hill, whose breakthrough comedySuperbadand surprising dramatic performance inMoneyballhelped make him one of the biggest rising stars in Hollywood. While both actors have gone on to have massively successful careers,21 Jump Streetis considered among both of their funniest works.
Channing Tatum As Greg Jenko
Date of Birth: July 23, 2025
Actor: Channing Tatum is one of the biggest movie stars in the world with a wide range of acting talents ranging from comedy to action. His first major role in a Hollywood movie was as Jason Lyle, a basketball player in the popular 2005 sports movieCoach Carter. Tatum notably was a background dancer in music videos before starring in his breakthrough hitStep Up, which eventually led to him starring in another popular dance-focused franchise,Magic Mike. While21 Jump Streetand22 Jump Streetshow off Tatum’s comedic side, he also starred in the tragic sports dramaFoxcatcheralongside Mark Ruffalo and Steve Carrell, which was nominated for 5 Oscars.
Blink Twice(2024)
Slater
Character: Channing Tatum plays Jenko in21 Jump Street, one of the main undercover cop protagonists who goes undercover to expose a drug ring at a high school. He is the muscle of the duo between him and Schmidt, but gets in with the “nerdy” group during his time undercover, often feeling left out by his partner, but being integral in solving the case by the end of the film.
Jonah Hill As Morton Schmidt
Date of Birth: June 12, 2025
Actor: Jonah Hill is one of the most recognizable and versatile actors working in Hollywood today. Hill shot to stardom with the 2007 teen comedy hitSuperbadwhich featured iconic performances by Michael Cera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Emma Stone, Bill Hader, and Seth Rogen. While Hill has appeared in many classic comedies such asKnocked Up,Forgetting Sarah Marshall, andGet Him to the Greek, he has received two Oscar nominations for more serious roles inMoneyballand Martin Scorsese’sThe Wolf of Wall Street. Hill’s other notable works includeWar Dogs, the Netflix seriesManiac, andMid90s, which was his feature film directorial debut.
The Wolf of Wall Street(2013)
Donnie Azoff
Character: Jonah Hill plays Schmidt in21 Jump Street, one of the main undercover cop protagonists who goes undercover to expose a drug ring at a high school. More brains than brawn, Schmidt ends up being one of the popular kids in school during his time undercover, an interesting reversal from his own experience in high school years before. Over the course of the film, he begins to push away from Jenko and starts falling for Brie Larson’s Molly.
Brie Larson As Molly Tracey
Date of Birth: July 02, 2025
Actor: Brie Larson is an Academy Award-winning actress who first rose to prominence in the 2010 instant classicScott Pilgrim vs. the World. She went on to star as Kate in the celebrated series United States of Tara before appearing in 21 Jump Street in 2012. Larson has been in several notable independent films as well, including The Spectacular Now,Don Jon, and the critically acclaimedShort Term 12,which also features early performances by Rami Malek and Lakieth Stanfield.After winning an Oscar for her leading role in 2015’sRoom, Larson joined the MCU in 2019as the titular protagonist inCaptain Marveland recently starred in the Emmy-nominated limited seriesLessons in Chemistry.
Captain Marvel(2019)
Captain Marvel
Character: Brie Larson plays Molly Tracey in21 Jump Street, a student at the high school and love interest of Schmidt. She is dating Dave Franco’s Eric for most of the film, but takes an immediate interest in Schmidt, eventually developing feelings for him. While she is considered one of the most popular kids, she stands out alongside Eric and the rest of them.
Dave Franco As Eric Molson
Date of Birth: July 28, 2025
Actor: The younger brother of actor/director James Franco, Dave Franco made his television debut in a 2006 episode of7th Heavenbefore briefly appearing as Greg the Soccer Player inSuperbadand Telephone Tree inMilk. Franco was also a recurring character in Scrubs season 9 and starred in 2011’sFright Nightbefore playing the main antagonist Eric in21 Jump Street. Franco’s Hollywood career took off during the 2010s, starring inWarm Bodies,Now You See Me,The Lego Movie,Neighbors, andNow You See Me 2.He starred alongside his brother inThe Disaster Artistbefore going on to appear inIf Beale Street Could Talk,The Afterparty, andLove Lies Bleeding.
The Disaster Artist(2017)
Greg / Mark
Character: Dave Franco plays Eric Molson in21 Jump Street, the main antagonist and target at the high school that Schmidt and Jenko must expose for dealing drugs. He is in a relationship with Molly for most of the film, and enjoys hanging out with Schmidt, going as far as getting Taco Bell together. His disposition towards Jenko is much more cold, being one of the reasons why Schmidt begins to leave him behind.
21 Jump Street Supporting Cast & Characters
Ice Cube: Ice Cube plays Captain Dickson, the police captain who gives Jenko and Schmidt their assignment in 21 Jump Street. He is loudmouthed and hard-headed, tearing into both of them at every chance that he gets. Ice Cube is an iconic rapper and actor who has also appeared inFriday,Barbershop, andRide Along.
Nick Offerman: Offerman plays Deputy Chief Hardy in21 Jump Street. Though he doesn’t play a huge role in the film, he does reassign Jenko and Schmidt and is shown to be getting a divorce. He is best known for his iconic role as Ron Swanson inParks & Recreationand has recently starred inDumb Money,The Last of Us, andCivil War.
Dakota Johnson: Dakota Johnson plays Fugazy in21 Jump Street, an associate of Schmidt and Jenko. Fugazy is undercover as well somewhere else, proving to be much more successful on her assignment. She is most recognized for her leading role in the Fifty Shades trilogy and has also appeared inThe Social Network,Suspiria, andMadame Web.
Rob Riggle: Rob Riggle plays a P.E. teacher at the high school in21 Jump Street. He ends up being the supplier for Eric, working together to sell the drugs. He has also starred in other comedy classics such asThe Hangover,Step Brothers,Curb Your Enthusiasm, andModern Family.
Ellie Kemper: Kemper plays a teacher at the high school in21 Jump Street. Her character ends up having physical feelings for Jenko and the credits show the two of them hooking up. She is best known for her roles inThe Office,Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,Bridesmaids, andThe Lego Batman Movie.
Jake Johnson: Johnson plays the principal of the high school in21 Jump Street. Though it isn’t the biggest role, he is pretty memorable in his small part. He is best known as Nick Miller in New Girl and has also appeared inJurassic World,BoJack Horseman, andSpider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.
Chris Parnell: Parnell plays a drama teacher named Mr. Gordon in21 Jump Street,who cast Schmidt as the lead in Peter Pan alongside Molly as Wendy. He has played Jerry inRick and Mortysince 2013 and has also starred in comedy classics such asAnchorman,Hot Rod, andWalk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story.
23 Jump Street’s Men In Black Crossover Should’ve Happened Years Ago & I’m Devastated It Hasn’t
With Channing Tatum talking about the canceled 23 Jump Street movie, I’m still devasted the proposed crossover with Men in Black never happened.
21 Jump Street Cameos
Johnny Depp: Depp surprisingly reprises his role as Officer Tom Hanson from the21 Jump Streettelevision series from 1987. Depp starred in 82 episodes from 1987-1990. He is revealed to be undercover in the One-Percenter motorcycle gang,
Peter DeLuise: DeLuise also reprises his role as Officer Doug Penhall from the21 Jump Streettelevision series. He appeared in 19 episodes from 1987-1991. He is undercover alongside Johnny Depp and the two of them reveal themselves at the end of the film, both dying during the shootout.
Holly Robinson Peete: As the only actor to appear in all 102 episodes of the21 Jump Streettelevision series, Holly Robinson Peete reprises her role as Officer Judy Hoffs in the 2012 film, giving Schmidt and Jenko a car to use while they are undercover.
21 Jump Street
Cast
An adaptation of the TV series of the same name, 21 Jump Street stars Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill as two police officers (and best friends) who are sent into a high school undercover in order to bust a drug ring. Learning that high school has changed considerably since they were teenagers, the pair are forced to adapt in order to maintain their cover, threatening their friendship in the process.
