The planned reboot of the 1980s comedy classic 'Police Academy' starring Jordan Peele and Keegan-Michael Key has been shelved in the wake of the 2014 shooting of Michael Brown.
Podcast Revelation
On the June 17 episode of 'Funny You Ask with Ike Barinholtz,' the comedian revealed to guest Joel McHale the reasons behind the project's stall. Barinholtz, alongside writing partner David Stassen, was tasked with rewriting the 'Police Academy' script for New Line Cinema. 'Years ago, my partner and I got hired to rewrite 'Police Academy' for New Line Cinema,' Barinholtz recounted. The project was to be modernized and rated R, with Barinholtz’s 'Mad TV' co-stars Key and Peele set to star.
Creative Differences
Barinholtz detailed an awkward pitch meeting where the creator of the original 'Police Academy' insisted on involving the original cast members, many of whom had passed away. 'He wanted them to have big parts,' Barinholtz said. However, the real turning point came after the shooting of Michael Brown. 'We were making the movie for Key and Peele, and people were like, ‘We’re not making a cop comedy right now.''
Impact of Michael Brown's Death
Michael Brown, an 18-year-old Black man, was shot by a white police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, on August 9, 2014, triggering nationwide protests and debates over police militarization. The officer involved was not indicted on civil rights violations, yet the incident left an indelible mark on the public's perception of law enforcement.
A Legacy on Hold
The original 'Police Academy' released in 1984 featured Steve Guttenberg, Kim Cattrall, and Bubba Smith, and was a major hit that led to six sequels. Since 2003, various attempts to reboot the series have sputtered. Meanwhile, Barinholtz stars in the showbiz satire 'The Studio,' Peele is working on a secret film, and Key is filming a sequel to 'Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion.'
Source: https://variety.com/2026/film/news/key-and-peele-police-academy-reboot-canceled-michael-brown-1236784494/
