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How Large Is Johnny Depp's Role in 21 Jump Street? "It's More Than Just a Moment," Says Costar

Costar Jake Johnson fills us in on the Hollywood hunk's secret appearance in movie adaptation of hit 1980s television crime series about baby-faced undercover cops

By Marc Malkin Oct 12, 2011 2:31 PMTags
Johnny Depp,  21 Jump StreetFOX

Sounds like Johnny Depp's role in the upcoming movie adaptation of 21 Jump Street isn't a mere cameo.

Could he actually be resurrecting Tom Hanson, the undercover high school cop he originated in the 1980s television series?

No surprise, but all those involved are under strict orders to keep details about Depp's gig a secret. However...

"It's more than just a moment," Jake Johnson, who plays the principal in the movie, tells us exclusively.

In fact, Johnson admits he wanted Depp's role. "It's a really fun part and I went to my agent afterwards and I was like, 'Hey man, I killed it!'" said Johnson, who currently costars in the new Fox comedy, New Girl. "I was like...I think I've got a really good shot. And he goes, 'For which character?' and I said the character and he goes, 'Yeah, you know, that's Johnny Depp's part if he wants it.'"

The big screen version stars Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum.

Depp told E! News shortly after wrapping Jump Street he worked with Hill and Tatum. "It was fun," he said.

He also told Entertainment Weekly, "It might be difficult to spot me in this one right off the bat. I'll be a little...different."

Since when isn't Johnny Depp different?

—Reporting by Jenna Mullins