Warning! SPOILERS for 2023’s House PartyThe LeBron-produced 2023 House Party pays homage to the 1990 House Party, while also mixing in contemporary hip-hop culture — but is LeBron’s rendition of the classic a remake, reboot, or sequel? 2023’s House Party brings the cult-classic ’90s party franchise to a younger audience who might not be aware of the original’s influence and nostalgia to those who remember its impact upon release. With a few delays in the 2023 film’s theatrical release, curious audiences have wondered whether the new House Party is a remake or reboot — or a direct sequel to the original.
2023’s House Party is indeed a reboot — or “remix,” as stated by the director, Calmatic (a.k.a. Charles Kidd II). With NBA star LeBron James both producing and starring, House Party continues LeBron’s foray into movies following Space Jam 2. While House Party does carry some similarities with the 1990 original, it features a new cast of characters who look to throw an epic house party at LeBron James’ estate.
2023’s House Party Is A Reboot Of The 1990 Movie
While the 2023 House Party is a reboot of the original, it does not lack in references to and shared elements with the original. Like 1990’s House Party, the reboot features two best friends with starkly different personalities who dream of partaking in an epic party. Serving as another homage to the original, House Party‘s protagonists are hassled by a trio of antagonists who aspire to be “party poopers.” Along with the narrative similarity, the new House Party also recreates some iconic moments from the 1990 original, like the famous dance scene with Kid & Play, which has been referenced and often imitated over the years.
Originally set to be an HBO Max movie exclusive, House Party is making its theatrical run before appearing on the platform. Where the new film differs from the original is its lavish setting. House Party ditches the modest house party vibes for an opulent celebration on a much larger scale for the ages. Mixed in with a few memorable celebrity cameos (such as Kid Cudi, Mýa, Big Sean, Lil Wayne, and Mark Cuban), the new House Party attempts to stand out on its own.
Does Kid & Play Appear In 2023’s House Party?
The iconic duo of Kid & Play do appear in the film in a short cameo. They first appear when the new main characters play a snippet of the original film in LeBron’s theater. Kid & Play appear in full towards the latter half of the film, in which they play members of the Illuminati.
While the duo doesn’t have a huge role in the new House Party, having them in the film serves as a referential bridge to the 1990 original, providing a nostalgic moment for the cult classic’s original audience. As one of the greatest duos of all time, Kid & Play’s original film changed the Hollywood landscape of both black and teen films. The House Party reboot (or “remix“) takes on a much more adult, somewhat darker tone than the original, but it keeps the core elements of its predecessor intact.
