Channing shows funny side in 21 Jump Street

MANILA, Philippines - Channing Tatum has established himself among the next generation of leading men. Best known for action thrillers (G.I. Joe) and romantic dramas (The Vow, Dear John), Channing now stars in his first comedy film ever, Columbia Pictures’ hilarious high school send-off, 21 Jump Street.

In the film, Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Jenko (Channing) were enemies in high school who became unlikely friends in Police Academy. While they may not be the best cops on the beat, they have a chance to turn it around when they join the police department’s secret Jump Street unit, run by Captain Dickson (Ice Cube). They trade in their guns and badges for backpacks and use their youthful appearances to go undercover in high school.

Looking for a foil for Jonah’s nerdy character, the filmmakers searched for an actor to play Jenko — a guy for whom everything went right during high school but who discovers that things aren’t so easy the second time around. Who could be handsome and an alpha male, but funny, too?

“When we met Channing, we realized he’s perfect for the role because he’s naturally funny and sincere,” says co-director Christopher Miller.

“Channing hits all the right notes,” shares co-director Phil Lord. “Everyone knows he can pull off the heroic stuff, but there’s an underlying kindness to him that makes a nice contrast to his performance. And he’s so much funnier than people expect. We knew that the actor who plays Jenko had to be somebody who could be comedic and have a twinkle in his eye, and Channing has that.”

Channing, who also signed on as an executive producer, says modestly, “I’m the biggest fan of comedies, but I’m terrified of them. I’m so envious of guys like Jonah — so when he called and he said, ‘We’re doing 21 Jump Street, and we want you to be in it,’ I really thought I got the wrong call. Comedy is just so different — not only do you have to worry about being honest in the scene, but you also have to figure out where the funny beats are and punch them, then drop and stop talking. It’s a fine art. Fortunately, I was surrounded by comedy writers and stand-up comics who really knew what they were doing — I learned an enormous amount.”

Opening across the Philippines tomorrow, May 9, 21 Jump Street will be distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.