June 02, 2023 by Joey Birch
20th Century Studios’ 'White Men Can't Jump' Revisits a Cult-Classic, Now Streaming on Disney+
Friday 19th May saw the release of 20th Century Studios’ rejuvenation of the cult classic film: ‘WHITE MEN CAN’T JUMP’, now streaming on Disney+. Rolling out the film in the UK with an exclusive premiere screening with Kick Game, the recent modern remix of the iconic 1992 film celebrates the streetball hustling culture of Los Angeles.
Utilising Kick Game’s flagship Covent Garden store, the ‘WHITE MEN CAN’T JUMP’ theme was felt from the moment guests entered the door with a branded step and repeat on the left-hand side and drinks courtesy of Hennessy on the right.
With a live DJ set being played by JEENIIUS the activities continued at the back of the store - featuring a two-player basketball shootout game with the opportunity to win prizes including a free pair of New Balances, as well as a dunking hoop and bold illuminated ‘WHITE MEN CAN’T JUMP’ sign.
The event provided the optimum opportunity for Kick Game to once again centre itself within the ever-shifting pop culture, pushing the needle on what's hot. To further celebrate the release of the film, Kick Game are proud to have partnered with Disney+ to provide an exclusive consumer giveaway to win BIG prizes, you can find out more HERE.
The return of a 1992 classic
Originally released in 1992, White Men Can’t Jump marked a seminal moment in basketball culture entering the mainstream. Originally directed by Ron Shelton, the film saw the lead roles played by Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson. Around the same time, Nike released the Air Jordan 7 designed by Tinker Hatfield a year before Michael Jordan abruptly retired from basketball, deciding to move into baseball for a season, New Balance was releasing the latest in their 99X range - the 998, ASICS’ first GEL-Kayano sneaker debuted and adidas were debuting the first of their beloved EQT Running Support range - basketball, sneakers and sports were well and truly at the forefront of everyone’s minds.
About 'White Men Can’t Jump'
“White Men Can’t Jump” is a modern remix of the iconic 1992 film that celebrates the streetball hustling culture of Los Angeles. Sinqua Walls stars as Kamal, once a promising player who derailed his future in the sport, and multi-platinum rap superstar Jack Harlow makes his movie debut as Jeremy, a former star of the game whose injuries stalled his own career. Juggling tenuous relationships, financial pressures and serious internal struggles, the two ballers - opposites who are seemingly miles apart - find they might have more in common than they imagined possible.
The all-new comedy is now streaming, exclusively on Disney+ under the Star banner in the UK. Directed by Calmatic, the movie also stars Teyana Taylor, Laura Harrier, Vince Staples, Myles Bullock and Lance Reddick. The film is written by Kenya Barris and Doug Hall. “White Men Can’t Jump” is produced by Kenya Barris and Paul Hall; it’s executive produced by Blake Griffin, Ryan Kalil, Noah Weinstein, Calmatic, Doug Hall, E. Brian Dobbins and James Powers.
(L-R): Jack Harlow as Jeremy and Sinqua Walls as Kamal in 20th Century Studios' WHITE MEN CAN'T JUMP. Photo by Parrish Lewis. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
The usual Nike sneakers seen in the 1992 classic included the iconic Nike Air Command Force worn by Billy Hoyle. The new modern remix of the film now sees one of the lead characters, Jeremy, played by Jack Harlow, having his kicks switched out for the more relevant New Balance 650.
The new movie brings back the nostalgic feeling of the early 90s with a refreshing twist. For those that cherish the original for its array of old-school basketball sneakers, there’s still plenty to be appreciated here from the aforementioned New Balance 650 as well as several Air Jordan sneakers including the OFF-White Air Jordan 6 ‘Sail’, 'Bred' Air Jordan 11 and the Air Jordan 9 in addition to LeBron and Kobe signature sneakers with a smattering of offerings from Vans, Hoka and Puma making an appearance.
(L-R): Jack Harlow as Jeremy and Sinqua Walls as Kamal in 20th Century Studios' WHITE MEN CAN'T JUMP, exclusively on Hulu. Photo by Parrish Lewis. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
While the film is widely considered a cult classic, at times coming under fire for returning in 2023 with a fresh new look from those who grew up with the original film, the 2023 variant brings back the nostalgic feeling of the early 90s with a refreshing twist. For those that cherish the original for its array of old-school basketball sneakers, there’s still plenty to be appreciated here from the aforementioned New Balance 650 as well as several Air Jordan sneakers including the OFF-White Air Jordan 6 ‘Sail’, 'Bred' Air Jordan 11 and the Air Jordan 9 in addition to LeBron and Kobe signature sneakers with a smattering of offerings from Vans, Hoka and Puma making an appearance.
Similar to how sneaker retroes reinvent the OG release, the return of 20th Century Studios’ WHITE MEN CAN’T JUMP aims to revitalise that nostalgic feeling within a more modern setting, giving the younger generation that sensation as sneaker and basketball cultures continue to remain as prevalent as ever.
(L-R): J. Alphonse Nicholson as Jermaine and Jack Harlow as Jeremy in 20th Century Studios' WHITE MEN CAN'T JUMP, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Parrish Lewis. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
For further details and to enter Kick Game’s BIG giveaway in partnership with Disney, click HERE.
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