Does the world need a reimagining of the 1990 comedy “House Party“? It’s not like that movie is terrible, and it’s an early role for Martin Lawrence, but who remembers it nowadays? And what kind of audience is there today for a remake? Well, LeBron James thinks the comedy needs a revamp three decades later whether anyone asked for it or not. He, Maverick Carter, and Warner Bros. foot the bill for “House Party,” out in theaters next January.
For those who don’t remember the 1990 film, it follows a high schooler who sneaks out to his best friend’s house for what becomes a wild night full of antic, hip-hop, and riotous fun. Expect the same in the 2023 version, just with contemporary hip-hop/pop-culture references.
Here’s the film’s official synopsis:
Aspiring club promoters and best buds Damon and Kevin are barely keeping things together. Out of money, down on their luck and about to lose the roofs over their heads—and freshly fired from their low-lift jobs as house cleaners—the pair needs a huge windfall to make their problems go away. In a ‘what the hell?’ move, they decide to host the party of the year at an exclusive mansion, the site of their last cleaning job, which just happens to belong to none other than LeBron James. No permission? No problem. What could go wrong? How about a time traveling DJ, undependable security, a runaway guest list, one borrowed Lamborghini, angry rival promoters, a stolen championship ring, escalating property damage, an angry koala..? But also, one outrageous ride stacked with double-take cameos and timeless throwback tracks, R-rated comedy and two friends worth cheering for… you have to see to believe. After all, a night like this doesn’t come around more than once.
“House Party” stars Tosin Cole and Jacob Latimore in the lead roles. The film also stars DC Young Fly, Karen Obilom, Scott Mescudi (aka: Kid Cudi), Melvin Gregg, and Rotimi. Allen Maldonado, Shakira Ja-nai Paye, Andrew Santino, and Bill Bellamy round out the main cast. The film is music video director Calmatic‘s feature directorial debut. He’s also attached to direct a “White Men Can’t Jump” remake.
Initially meant as an exclusive HBO Max release, “House Party” now hits theaters after the massive restructuring plans Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav put in effect for the streamer this summer. So now the film hits theaters instead.
So, who will “House Party” fare with audiences this winter? The film hits theaters on January 13, 2023, a release date for where movies go to die; so, it’s safe to assume Zaslav & co. aren’t high on this one, even if LeBron James is. Watch a red-band trailer for the movie below.