Popular comedian, actress, and influencer Tamera Kissen has joined the cast of 20th Century Studios’ White Men Can’t Jump, Variety has learned.
The remake of the 90s comedy has been in the works for a few years now. When it first emerged Black–ish creators Kenya Barris and Doug Hall were working on a script rebooting the film.
The reboot will tell a different story than the 1992 cult classic that starred Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes, which follows two skilled street basketball players – one black and one white – who take advantage of the stereotype that “white men aren’t good at basketball” by hilariously hustling other street players. Rapper Jack Harlow steps into the role Harrelson originated, while Sinqua Walls steps into Snipes’ role.
Also set to appear in the film is Lance Reddick (John Wick), Laura Harrier (Spider-Man: Homecoming), and Teyana Taylor (Coming 2 America). Reddick is playing Benji Allen, the father of Walls’ character Kamal. Benji is living with MS and has been Kamal’s coach and support system since a very young age. Details in regards to the characters that Taylor and Harrier are playing are still being kept under wraps by the studio.
Kissen, who will also appear in another remake of a 90s comedy, House Party for HBO Max, will play “Sheila” in the pic, a role that wasn’t in the original. “Shelia’s character adds humor to the film,” a source told the trade. “That’s why it was perfect for Tee.”
Charles Kidd II a.k.a Calmatic, who also helmed HBO Max’s upcoming House Party reboot, will direct this film from a script by Black-ish writers Kenya Barris and Doug Hall. Basketball player Blake Griffin, former NFL player Ryan Kalil, and Noah Weinstein will be executive producing under their Mortal Media banner. Production on the reboot is currently underway in Los Angeles.
