Back in 1992, Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson teamed up to play the role of basketball hustlers in White Men Can’t Jump. Throughout the classic film, elements of culture were masterfully weaved throughout its storyline — from “yo mama” jokes to cycling caps.
Recreating this magic, Sinqua Walls and Jack Harlow have come together as co-stars to offer a modern interpretation of the movie. Early ’90s street fashion such as Starter jackets has been replaced by sought-after Jordan Brand collaborations and Fear of God ESSENTIALS apparel, creating an apt snapshot of the cultural landscape of today. Topped off by clever quips that name drop platforms like CashApp and OnlyFans, there’s no doubt that the film will serve as a time machine to the ‘20s in the decades to come.
In preparation for the film’s release on May 19 via Hulu, the Hypebeast team sat down with Jack Harlow, Sinqua Walls and director Calmatic to discuss drawing inspiration from the original flick, working with a diverse cast of talent and more.
Hypebeast: Calmatic, what has the transition from music videos to feature films been like for you?
Calmatic: Doing music videos, I feel like I’ve seen it all and have established ways to work through any situation efficiently. Coming into features, I assumed I didn’t know anything, but at the end of the day, we’re using the same tools — from cameras to lights — and I learned quickly that I not only was familiar with the setting but had a unique perspective as well.
How did you approach taking inspiration from the original film?
Calmatic: There are so many Easter Eggs in the original film which is something I wanted to recreate, from sneakers to style. As a result, there’s a bunch of ways we were able to nod to modern streetwear.
From classic Jordans to brands like Essentials, modern style plays a noticeable role in the film. What was the approach to its inclusion?
Calmatic: We all know hoopers get free clothes, shoes, etc. and it seems like each of them has the Nike Kobe 6 “Grinch.” So for Kamal (Walls’ character), even though he’s working this average job, he has this distinct basketball player look that connects to his story. As for Jeremy (Harlow’s character), he’s got that hippie vibe and sticks to his ALD x New Balance 650s that have obviously been worn into the ground — connecting to his character’s background. Adding to this, each of them rock pieces that align with their persona.
“For me, it was like being a kid in the candy store — placing my favorite tracks on top of the picture.”
With your background in music and a cast that includes several artists, what was it like assembling the score?
Calmatic: I started with a playlist that felt like Los Angeles. Everything from Sublime to Ab-Soul, artists that are the past, present and future of the city’s sound. For me, it was like being a kid in the candy store — placing my favorite tracks on top of the picture.
What about Jack Harlow’s performance as a new actor impressed you the most?
Calmatic: His confidence. You wouldn’t think that it was his first time on set, he nailed it. In the midst of filming, he’s out dropping his biggest album, hitting #1 on the charts and still stayed locked in from start to finish.
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images For 20th Century Studios
Jack and Sinqua, you have great chemistry throughout the film, how did you build that?
Jack Harlow: With us, we’re two intellectual souls and that’s something I recognized immediately — Sinqua has great intuition. We had lots of laughs but when all was said and done, we just f**k with each other.
What about the original film inspired you guys the most in the making of this one?
Harlow: Race relations.
Sinqua Walls: What the original did so well was making the cultural backdrop — the jokes were relevant to the times. It was our responsibility to make sure that we brought forth what’s really going on with the culture now. One element that was really important to us was mental health. It connects the characters but also plays a key role in their growth.
What parts of your personality came to life via your character?
Walls (to Harlow): Do you really dress like Jeremy?
Harlow: Hell no. This was a great starting role for me because I was able to infuse my personality in Jeremy. Of course there are points of exaggeration, but it didn’t feel like a great departure from myself. I was really blessed to be able to ease into acting in that way. However, I am excited to step out of my body going forward.
Walls: I’ve been on a journey myself so having this mental health struggle for Kamal, I felt a personal connection in my performance. The adaptation came naturally to me and there was a lot of art imitating life in how his story unfolds in the film.
“It’s tough not being in charge.”
Jack, how does performing as a rapper compare to being an actor? Were there any unexpected challenges you faced?
Harlow: It’s tough not being in charge.
Fitting a role rather than being a leader?
Harlow: I don’t even have to explain, you get it.
Sinqua, what was it like working with such a diverse cast of musicians, athletes and actors?
Walls: What was really cool for me is everyone — no matter the background — came in with the same commitment and the same goal, which was to tell the same story. Throughout the process, it didn’t feel like anyone was doing anything other than performing. I’m spoiled because going forward, I can’t imagine this is something I’ll ever see again.
Jack, can you really jump?
Walls: Yes! Listen, I’ll answer this. I’ve said this so many times, but Jack Harlow can legitimately dunk on a ten foot rim and each time he did it, I was amazed.
