In the age where 90s nostalgia is running wild, Warner Bros. is bringing back another Black classic film from the decade. The studio recently announced it is developing a reboot of gritty, fan-favorite “New Jack City,” Deadline reported.
Actor, filmmaker and recording artist Malcolm M. Mays of “Snowfall” fame is reportedly writing the new film. No director has been confirmed and it is unclear if any of the original cast will reprise their roles.
The original film premiered in 1991 and featured an iconic cast including Wesley Snipes, Ice-T, Allen Payne, Chris Rock, Vanessa Williams and Mario Van Peebles, who also directed the film.
Listen to GHOGH with Jamarlin Martin | Episode 67: Jamarlin Martin
Jamarlin goes solo to discuss the NFL’s entertainment and “social justice” deal with Jay-Z. We look back at the Barclays gentrification issue in the documentary “A Genius Leaves The Hood: The Unauthorized Story of Jay-Z.”
Its plot followed drug kingpin Nino Brown (played by Snipes) and his quest to be the most powerful gangster ever, while undercover detective Sonny Appleton (played by Ice-T) does everything he can to take Brown down and fulfill a personal vendetta in retaliation for his mother’s death.
The film raked in $7 million during its opening weekend, almost $48 million at the domestic box office and its soundtrack hit No. 2 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Album charts.
After news of “New Jack City’s” resurrection broke, Mays clarified the film is a sequel, not a reboot in an Instagram post.
Along with a screenshot of Deadline’s article, Mays wrote “…umm it’s actually a Sequel not a remake/reboot…but… guess the cats out bag now 🤦🏾♂️ it’s an honor #PeaceLuvArt.”
While some are excited about news of the film’s comeback, many on Black Twitter said “New Jack City” is no longer relevant and/or they should leave the classic version alone.
Others say the new film should address the opioid crisis and reflect the distinctly different way drug addiction was handled when it affected Black predominately.
