Everyone is asking the same thing about 24 Jump Street’s title. The franchise’s unexpected title choice left viewers puzzled, but the answer lies in the sequel’s own ending.

Fans are asking why it’s 24 Jump Street and not 23

Sony titled its upcoming threequel 24 Jump Street instead of 23 Jump Street, and fans want to know why. Variety exclusively reported that Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum and Ice Cube are in talks to return. The decision to skip a number ties directly into the franchise’s self-aware humor.

Several users on X responded to the announcement with confusion. One user asked, “So just going to never do 23 Jump Street?” Another simply wrote, “What happened to 23?” A third user questioned, “When was 23?” The reactions reflect widespread curiosity about the unexpected title jump.

Sony previously developed a 23 Jump Street script for over a decade. In fact, Tatum once called it “the best script that I’ve ever read for a third movie.” However, that version planned a crossover with Sony’s Men in Black franchise but was ultimately scrapped.

Meanwhile, the title choice also connects to the ending of 22 Jump Street. That film’s coda showed Schmidt and Jenko taking on multiple undercover missions. Specifically, the duo infiltrated medical school, culinary school, dance school and seminary. They also went to space and became a video game and animated series. As a result, titling the new film 24 Jump Street continues that running gag effectively.

Additionally, the franchise already operates as a self-aware reboot of the 1980s TV series. The original show starred Johnny Depp in a dramatically different tone. By contrast, the 2012 film leaned into comedy and grossed over $200 million worldwide. Its 2014 sequel then topped that total with a $331 million box office haul. Rodney Rothman will direct the new installment from a script he co-wrote with Hill and Meghan Malloy.

Furthermore, Phil Lord and Chris Miller return as producers alongside Neal H. Moritz. Tatum currently holds only an offer to return, with negotiations expected soon.