More than three decades after it first started, HOUSE PARTY is back with new characters, new schemes, and new all-star cameos. The latest addition to the comedy franchise raises the stakes and brings the cult classic into the modern age with the most outlandish house party yet. Before you see it in theaters, here’s everything you need to know about HOUSE PARTY.
The History Behind House Party
Most ’90s kids remember the original HOUSE PARTY movie released in 1990 starring hip-hop duo Kid ’n Play, aka Christopher Reid and Christopher Martin. Kid ’n Play play fictional versions of themselves, best friends who throw an elaborate and ill-advised party at Play’s house while his parents are out of town. Everything goes according to plan, until Kid gets in a fight and his dad forbids him from attending the party. But Kid refuses to miss out on the party of the year—especially when the girl of his dreams (“Martin” star Tisha Campbell) is supposed to be there. After Kid sneaks out, he’s forced to run a comedic gauntlet of obstacles that don’t stop when he arrives at Play’s house.
HOUSE PARTY is one of the great teen comedies of the ’90s. It became an instant cult classic that led to Kid ’n Play returning for two sequels, and inspired two additional films: 2000’s HOUSE PARTY 4: DOWN TO THE LAST MINUTE (which isn’t directly related to the original film) and 2013’s HOUSE PARTY: TONIGHT’S THE NIGHT (a direct sequel to the first movies).
You’re Invited to a New House Party
Sharing a name with the original film that inspired it, HOUSE PARTY stars Jacob Latimore (“The Chi”) and Tosin Cole (“Doctor Who,” STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS) as Kevin and Damon, two best friends who spend their days cleaning houses while dreaming of becoming successful club promoters. When they get laid off, Kevin and Damon decide to throw an epic party at the luxe mansion owned by their last customer—who just so happens to be NBA superstar LeBron James.
The new HOUSE PARTY is written by Stephen Glover and Jamal Olori, a pair of writers known for their work on Donald Glover’s acclaimed TV series "Atlanta." It’s also the feature directorial debut of Calmatic (aka Charles Kidd II), a filmmaker best known for directing commercials and music videos, including the award-winning video for Lil Nas X’s "Old Town Road."
Finally, unlike previous sequels, original writer and director Reginald Hudlin is back as an executive producer on the new HOUSE PARTY. Hudlin, who also directed ’90s comedies BOOMERANG and THE GREAT WHITE HYPE, served as the President of Entertainment for the BET network from 2005 to 2008 and has even written several notable issues of Marvel’s "Black Panther" comic books.
Who Else Is On the Guest List?
Jacob Latimore and Tosin Cole are joined by rising stars like comedian Tamera Kissen, Karen Obilom (“Doom Patrol”), and Allen Maldonado (“The Wonder Years” reboot) for the new HOUSE PARTY—but those are far from the only names on the list.
Like its classic predecessor, the new HOUSE PARTY has an awesome guest list featuring several famous faces from hip-hop and comedy playing fictional versions of themselves. The lineup includes Nicki Minaj, Snoop Dogg, D.C. Young Fly, Scott Mescudi (aka Kid Cudi), Lena Waithe, Rotimi, Bill Bellamy, Andrew Santino, and Melvin Gregg. In addition to playing a pivotal role, NBA star LeBron James also produced the film.
Last but not least, original stars Christopher “Kid” Reid and Christopher “Play” Martin will be making a very special appearance — because it’s just not a proper HOUSE PARTY without the classic duo on deck.
HOUSE PARTY opens on January 13.
All images courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures.