Depp's 'Jump Street' movie role not just a cameo

Filmmakers won't say if actor will reprise role of Tom Hanson or play someone else

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Kevin Winter / Getty Images

Will Johnny Depp reprise his original "21 Jump Street" role in the film, or will he play someone else?

By Marc Malkin

updated 10/12/2011 10:57:52 AM ET

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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...

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

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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.

Story: Trailer of the Week: Depp drinks up for 'Rum Diary'

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?

Will you see the "21 Jump Street" movie? Tell us on Facebook.

Photos: Faces of Depp

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Hats off to you
Johnny Depp appeared on "The Late Show with David Letterman" on Feb. 21, 2013 in New York where he chatted about his upcoming film "The Lone Ranger," and played guitar. (Donna Ward / Getty Images) Share Back to slideshow navigation
'The Lone Ranger'
Depp joined the Comanche Nation in advance of playing Native American Tonto in "The Lone Ranger," which opens in July 2013. (Disney) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Axe man
Depp loves to play guitar, and took the stage at the Jameson Petty Fest West on Nov. 15, 2012 in Los Angeles. (Imeh Akpanudosen / Getty Images) Share Back to slideshow navigation
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Related interactive 'Dark Shadows' a fun makeover of TV classic

With his alter ego
Depp poses with a photo of himself as Barnabas Collins in "Dark Shadows" while in Tokyo to promote the film on May 13, 2012. (Kimimasa Mayama / EPA) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Depp and the ladies
"Dark Shadows" stars Chloe Moretz, Bella Heathcote, Eva Green, Michelle Pfeiffer and Helena Bonham Carter pose with Depp in London on May 9, 2012. (Joel Ryan / AP) Share Back to slideshow navigation
'Dark Shadows'
Depp was a fan of the 1960s-1970s TV show "Dark Shadows" as a child, and in 2012, plays vampire Barnabas Collins in the movie version. (Warner Bros.) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Related story What's with the makeup on Johnny Depp's Barnabas Collins?
Related interactive Johnny Depp's girlfriend: We're not splitting

Over and done
Depp and girlfriend Vanessa Paradis attend the 9th Annual Critics' Choice Awards on Jan. 10, 2004, at the Beverly Hills Hotel, in Beverly Hills, Calif. Depp and Paradis began dating in 1998 and have two children together, Lily-Rose Melody and John Christopher, but separated in 2012. (Martin Bureau / AFP - Getty Images) Share Back to slideshow navigation
'The Rum Diary' red carpet
Depp poses for photographers as he arrives for the French premiere of his film, "The Rum Diary," on Nov. 8, 2011. (Gonzalo Fuentes / Reuters) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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'The Rum Diary'
In "The Rum Diary," Depp plays an itinerant journalist who leaves Eisenhower-era America for the freedoms of Puerto Rico and its plentiful rum. Depp reportedly found the manuscript for "Rum Diary" at Hunter S. Thompson's home and encouraged the famed gonzo journalist to publish it. (FilmDistrict) Share Back to slideshow navigation
In the spotlight
Depp attends the premiere of the movie "Public Enemies" at the Mann Village theatre in Westwood, Calif., on Tuesday, June 23, 2009. The star told David Letterman that he never actually watches his own performances. (Mario Anzuoni / Reuters) Share Back to slideshow navigation
'Alice in Wonderland'
Depp plays the Mad Hatter in director Tim Burton's take on the 2010 film version of "Alice in Wonderland." The two have collaborated eight times. Burton told the L.A. Times that Depp didn't mind playing another oddball character, "He loves doing that. That's never a problem. He doesn't like to be the same way twice. That's good, it always keeps it fresh and all. And he likes the material we have here and he gets it. It's nice to have people involved that are fans of the material and all." (Walt Disney Pictures) Share Back to slideshow navigation

Related slideshow Cast of characters

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'Public Enemies'
Depp stars as bank robber and folk hero John Dillinger in Michael Mann's "Public Enemies." Christian Bale co-stars as the FBI agent who's determined to track him down. In an interview with the U.K. Telegraph, Depp said, "John Dillinger was that era’s rock and roll star,” said Depp. “He was a very charismatic man and he lived the way he wanted to and didn’t compromise. I feel he was a kind of a Robin Hood because he truly cared about people." (Universal Pictures) Share Back to slideshow navigation
'Sweeney Todd'
For his sixth collaboration with director Tim Burton, Depp starred as murderous barber Sweeney Todd, who begins a sinister partnership with Mrs. Lovett (Helena Bonham Carter), when they begin turning his victims into meat pies. The role required Depp to sing and the actor told Entertainment Weekly that the experience was "frightening. Really frightening! When Tim asked if I'd be into it, he said, 'Do you think you can sing?' And I said, 'Honestly, I don't know. 'I'm not tone deaf, so I knew I could stay in key to some degree. But I didn't know if I could sustain a note, or belt one out." (Paramount Pictures) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Another popcorn trophy
Depp accepts the award for best performance for "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" onstage during the 2007 MTV Movie Awards on June 3, 2007, in Universal City, Calif. (Kevin Winter / Getty Images) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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Fans across the world
Fans cheer Depp on his arrival at Narita International Airport for the Japanese premiere of "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" on May 22, 2007, in Narita, Japan. The film grossed over $960 million worldwide. (Koichi Kamoshida / Getty Images) Share Back to slideshow navigation
'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest'
Depp was more than ready to play Captain Jack Sparrow for a second time. He told About.com, "I kind of like everything about playing him. I feel like he's just good fun to play ... You get to add stuff and try things and get away with it, just to see what you can get away with. I've been very lucky so far, and he's just a really fun character. I certainly wasn't ready to say goodbye to him after the first film. I felt like there was a lot more to be done, more fun to be had." (Walt Disney Pictures) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Slimed!
Johnny Depp and Ben Stiller share the stage at the 18th Annual Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards at the UCLA Pauley Pavillion on April 2, 2005, in Westwood, Calif. Depp took home the award for favorite movie actor for "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and favorite voice from an animated feature for "Corpse Bride." (Kevin Winter / Getty Images) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Leaving his mark
Depp attends the hand and footprint ceremony honoring him in the courtyard of the Mann's Chinese Theatre on Sept. 16, 2005 in Hollywood, Calif. (Vince Bucci / Getty Images) Share Back to slideshow navigation

Related video What's it like to be Depp's double?

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'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'
Depp plays eccentric candy mogul Willy Wonka in 2005's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." Director Tim Burton doesn't give us the warm and fuzzy version of Wonka, instead he twists everything just enough to make Depp perfect as the child-despising candy maker. (Warner Bros.) Share Back to slideshow navigation
'Finding Neverland'
Depp played "Peter Pan" author J.M. Barrie in 2004's "Finding Neverland." In the film, the married Barrie befriends Sylvia Llewelyn Davies (Kate Winslet) and her sons and finds inspiration for his classic story of a boy who doesn't want to grow up. (Mirimax Films via AP) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Dynamic duo
Depp and Kate Winslet attend the "Finding Neverland" screening at the Venice Film Festival on Sept. 4, 2004, in Venice, Italy. Depp told the BBC that he enjoyed the idea behind "Peter Pan." "The notion is beautiful, the idea of staying a boy and a child forever, and I think you can. I have known plenty of people who, in their later years, had the energy of children and the kind of curiosity and fascination with things like little children. I think we can keep that, and I think it's important to keep that part of staying young. But I also think it's great fun growing old." (Pascal Le Segretain / Getty Images) Share Back to slideshow navigation
'Pirates of the Caribbean'
Depp found his inner pirate when he surprised everyone with his free-wheeling portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow in 2003's "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl." Orlando Bloom played straight man to Depp's almost drunken performance of a pirate, a character he based partially on Rolling Stones' guitarist Keith Richards. (Touchstone Pictures) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Still in character?
Depp arrives at the premiere for "Blow" in Los Angeles on March 29, 2001. He told Cinefile.com he found the film challenging, especially after meeting the real-life character he was about to play. "You initially would think of this guy as the smuggler who, it appears, has abandoned his family and would not be a very likeable person. When I met George and read the book, I realized it was a lot more complicated than that. He was doing what he knew ... He became the thing he did not want to become. He became his greedy, money-obsessed mother ... The real George, who I spent days with in the Otisville penitentiary, is a very charming, very bright, interesting guy." (Lucy Nicholson / AFP-Getty Images) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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'Blow'
This 2001 film is based on the true story of George Jung (Depp), who was instrumental in establishing the cocaine trafficking market in the 1970s. Depp clearly had fun with both the hair styles -- check the sideburns -- and clothes when making this film about the downward spiral of a drug dealer. (New Line Cinema) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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'Chocolat'
Who can woo mysterious chocolatier Juliette Binoche? Could it be the dashing Roux (Depp), a gypsy who's just passing through but gets a taste for Binoche's sweets? Lasse Hallstrom directed this 2000 film, which may be a bit too sweet for its own good, though Depp and Binoche make an appealing pair. (Miramax Films) Share Back to slideshow navigation
'Sleepy Hollow'
In 1999's "Sleepy Hollow," yet another collaboration with Tim Burton, Depp plays Ichabod Crane, New York police inspector sent to sort out a series of murders who falls for the lovely Katrina Van Tassel (Christina Ricci). But to reach her he must travel through the frightening woods, chased by the deadly Headless Horseman. (Paramount Pictures via Corbis) Share Back to slideshow navigation
'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas'
Depp plays writer Hunter S. Thompson in this 1998 adaptation of his classic book about a drug-filled adventure with friend and lawyer Dr. Gonzo (Benicio Del Toro, in an other-worldly performance). The film may leave you feeling like you've indulged in a couple of illegal substances. (Universal City Studios Productio) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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'Donnie Brasco'
Depp stars as an undercover FBI agent in 1997's "Donnie Brasco." In the film, he infiltrates the mob and befriends Benjamin 'Lefty' Ruggiero (Al Pacino). The deeper he gets, the more his regular life suffers, with his marriage falling apart. But can he walk away without making Ruggiero pay for his sins? (Getty Images / Getty Images) Share Back to slideshow navigation
'Don Juan DeMarco'
Depp plays a man who believes himself to be Don Juan, the greatest lover in the world, in 1995's "Don Juan DeMarco." Marlon Brando plays the psychiatrist treating him who gets more and more drawn in by his stories, especially those of the lovely Dona Ana (Geraldine Pailhas). Beyond Depp's usual fine performance, a rotund Brando has major chemistry with his wife, played by Faye Dunaway. (Getty Images / New Line Cincema via Getty Image) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Bad boy
Depp being escorted out of the 19th Precinct in New York after his arrest in 1994 for damaging a hotel suite. (AP) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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Thrilled?
Depp holds a replica of his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1994. Depp once told Cinema.com, "I'll never understand the animal, the machine of Hollywood business. And I don't want to understand it. It's like joining a club, a clique just because everyone else is in it. You don't have any particular interest in it, and it has nothing to do with who you are as a person. You just join it because it's the thing to do." (Getty Images / Getty Images) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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'Ed Wood'
Depp portrayed the worst director ever in Tim Burton's 1994 film "Ed Wood." Known for his love of cross-dressing and for making films like "Plan Nine From Outer Space," Wood was yet another oddball outsider to add to Depp's growing quiver of quirky characters. (Touchstone Pictures via Getty Im) Share Back to slideshow navigation
'Benny & Joon'
Depp plays Sam, a simple man with a love for Buster Keaton films in 1993's "Benny & Joon." After winning him in a poker game, Joon (Mary Stuart Masterson) brings him home, much to the chagrin of her brother and caretaker Benny (Aiden Quinn), who doesn't have time for a love life of his own, let alone taking care of yet another person with psychological problems. But when Sam and Joon find love, Benny has to realize that sometimes it's time to let go. The film features some awesome Chaplin-esque routines from Depp. (Corbis) Share Back to slideshow navigation
'Edward Scissorhands'
Depp is never afraid to adopt a strange hairstyle or makeup for a role as he proved in his first collaboration with Tim Burton, 1990's "Edward Scissorhands." In the title role, Depp stars as gentle man with scissors for hands who falls for golden girl Winona Ryder, while finding time to create interesting hairstyles for the town's women, as well as trim a few hedges. Of course, not everyone likes this oddball, and as in many of Depp's films, he finds himself an outcast. (20th Century Fox) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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Power couple
Depp dated Winona Ryder from 1989-93, his co-star from "Edward Scissorhands." They got engaged, and he tattooed "Winona Forever" on his right arm -- but after they separated, he had that changed to read "Wino Forever." (WireImage) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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'21 Jump Street'
Depp made an early splash playing Officer Tom Hanson on "21 Jump Street." Depp, along with Peter DeLuise, Holly Robinson and Dustin Nguyen, played cops who staked out high schools. Yes, it's true, this is the show that made being a narc somewhat cool. (Krause Johansen / Fox TV) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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'Cry-Baby'
Depp stars as greaser Wade 'Cry-Baby' Walker, the delinquent orphaned son of the executed Alphabet Killer in Jon Waters' 1990 film "Cry-Baby." Sexpot Wanda Woodward (former teen porn queen Traci Lords) is part of Cry-Baby's gang. Cry-Baby tries to use his many charms to woo the virginal Allison Vernon-Williams (Amy Locane) away from her square friends and battle lines are drawn. (Universal Pictures) Share Back to slideshow navigation

Depp's 'Jump Street' movie role not just a cameo

Filmmakers won't say if actor will reprise role of Tom Hanson or play someone else

Below:

Jump to photos Faces of Depp

Photos: Faces of Depp

Hats off to you

'The Lone Ranger'

Axe man

With his alter ego

Depp and the ladies

'Dark Shadows'

Over and done

'The Rum Diary' red carpet

'The Rum Diary'

In the spotlight

'Alice in Wonderland'

'Public Enemies'

'Sweeney Todd'

Another popcorn trophy

Fans across the world

'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest'

Slimed!

Leaving his mark

'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'

'Finding Neverland'

Dynamic duo

'Pirates of the Caribbean'

Still in character?

'Blow'

'Chocolat'

'Sleepy Hollow'

'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas'

'Donnie Brasco'

'Don Juan DeMarco'

Bad boy

Thrilled?

'Ed Wood'

'Benny & Joon'

'Edward Scissorhands'

Power couple

'21 Jump Street'

'Cry-Baby'

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