Today marks the 20th anniversary of the US release of the classic film, Juice written and directed by Ernest R. Dickerson. 20 Years later and the film is still being introduced to new fans all over the world. Will there be a re-make/sequel and where exactly is the famous cast now?

Juice was released in 1992, following four Harlem teens Q (Omar Epps), Raheem (Khalil Kain), Steel (Jermaine Hopkins) and Bishop (Tupac Shakur), who were in pursuit of power and respect otherwise known as the Juice. While Tupac Shakur who played the chilling Bishop had the juice throughout the entire film, it was a pivotal moment during the final scene of the movie when the juice was tragically passed off to Q played by Omar Epps.

Director Ernest R. Dickerson expresses his joy about the film still being a hot pick,  20 years later. “I’m genuinely surprised,” says Dickerson. “My daughter told me that her friends had Juice parties where they would watch the movie and recite the dialogue. Our little story still seems to resonate with so many young people today and I am very happy about that.”

Where is the cast now?

Omar Epps as Q in Juice, 1992

Omar Epps now plays Eric Foreman on Fox’s medical drama, House. Since then,  he also starred in Love & Basketbell, The Wood and Scream 2 to name a few.

Khalil Kain as Raheem in Juice, 1992

Khalil Kain recently shined in Tyler Perry’s film For Colored Girls in 2010. Since Juice, fans have supported him on shows such as  Girlfriends, Sister Sister, Moesha and Living Single.

Jermaine Hopkins as Steel in Juice, 1992

Things haven’t been looking up for Jermaine Hopkins who played the chubby Steel in the 1992 film. He was recently arrested for buying 200 pounds of Marijuana from an undercover cop last year.

Tupac Shakur as Bishop in Juice, 1992

Before his death in 1996, Tupac starred in John Singleton’s 1993 film Poetic Justice and even made a guest appearance on popular TV sitcom A Different World. His legacy lives on strong, as we all know.

What’s up with a part two? Well back in April 2011, rapper Soulja Boy announced to VIBE Magazine that he will be the “2011 Bishop” (referring to Tupac Shakur’s character) in a remake to the film. “We’re flipping it and shooting in Atlanta,” He told VIBE. I want to show these people my acting side and me being creative—always giving them something new; that’s all.”

Fans of the movie Juice were immediately upset and offended about the possibility of a re-make ” [this is an]  abomination to Tupac’s legacy & hard work” said one commentator. “This is mad disrespectful! Leave [the movie] alone,” pleaded another commentator.

Since the announcement, Soulija Boy has been quiet and has yet to speak much on the project.

The Famous Fight Scene

Lathleen is a freelance writer based in New York City, follow her on twitter @Lathleen.

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