NEW JACK CITY 2
On the back of this weeks news that Warner is developing a “Lost Boys” sequel for DVD (all part of Warner’s big plan to make use of some of their classic properties), comes confirmation that they’ve also got a sequel to the 1991 gangster classic “New Jack City” in the pipeline, too. Like the vampiric bloodsucker effort, this one will also premiere in your nearest Blockbuster.

Interesting enough, “New Jack City 2” didn’t start out as, well, “New Jack City 2”. It was originally a spec called “LBC”, from writers Sean O’Keefe and Will Staples – both currently re-writing FOX’s “Fathom”, if I recall correctly – but Warner loved it, and thought they could tweak it to fit, so it got the franchise funkup. I’m all for that. “Jack City” was terrific, and could easily lend itself to a sequel… or spin-off. Some good hip-hop tracks, some cool cats, a good DP… it could be tastier than Ice-Cream.

Assumingly – despite the fact that both Mario Van Peebles and Wesley Snipes had expressed interest in doing a sequel at one time or another – none of the original cast will return. But that’s just a guess. I mean, Snipes will be asking for a few extra bucks to cover those taxes, no? They probably couldn’t afford him. (Maybe Judd?)

I hear they’ll be casting soon for the role of the film’s lead, an ex-gang member turned cop who is the only one willing to defend his town. Hmm. Could be a good fit for someone like The Game? Maybe Omar Epps? Or what about Larenz Tate?

Phillip B. Goldfine (“Half Past Dead”) will produce – and no doubt, make that final casting decision.

From Moviehole.net