Let's Be Cops is a comedy film about best friends Ryan Davis (Jake Johnson) and Justin Chang (Damon Wayans Jr.), who are stuck in unsatisfying careers. At a college reunion, they mistakenly attend a costume party dressed as police officers. Surprisingly, their outfits command respect and attention, prompting Ryan to continue the ruse despite Justin's hesitation. Their fake cop personas lead them into escalatingly dangerous scenarios, including encounters with mobsters and corrupt detectives, forcing them to rely on their newfound 'heroic' roles to navigate real threats.
Trivia and Behind-the-Scenes Facts:
1. Jake Johnson and Damon Wayans Jr. have a strong comedic chemistry that was enhanced by their improvisational skills on set, allowing many scenes to feel fresh and spontaneous.
2. The filmmakers consulted with real police officers to depict certain procedural elements authentically, even though the premise remains a comedy.
3. The film's premise of ordinary people impersonating cops sparked discussions among the cast and crew about police authority and identity, adding subtle depth to the humor.
Main Cast of Let's Be Cops
Jake Johnson
Ryan Davis
Fans of Jake Johnson would enjoy his role in the movie 'Let's Be Cops' because it showcases his comedic timing and effortlessly charismatic persona, traits that have defined much of his appeal. In 'Let's Be Cops,' he plays a likable and witty character who embarks on a humorous, action-packed misadventure pretending to be a police officer, which allows Johnson to flex both his comedic and slightly dramatic chops. Compared to his most iconic performance as Nick Miller in '
New Girl,' where he embodies a grumpy yet lovable bartender with a heart of gold, his role in 'Let's Be Cops' offers a more overtly adventurous and slapstick experience. An interesting detail is that Jake Johnson was initially hesitant to commit to 'Let's Be Cops' because he was concerned about the balance between comedy and action, but his natural improvisational skills helped inject genuine humor into many scenes, making the dynamic with his co-star more authentic.
Damon Wayans Jr.
Justin Chang
In 'Let's Be Cops,' Damon Wayans Jr. delivers a lively and comedic performance as Justin Chang, the more grounded and practical half of the duo who impersonate police officers. His natural charm and timing complement co-star Jake Johnson's antics, creating a dynamic that drives much of the film's humor. Compared to his role as Brad Williams in the TV show '
Happy Endings,' where he plays a witty and somewhat neurotic character, Wayans Jr. showcases his versatility by embodying a more straightforward and relatable personality in this film. Notably, Damon Wayans Jr. comes from a family of comedians, with his father being Damon Wayans Sr., which adds an interesting layer to his comedic pedigree.
Rob Riggle
Officer Segars
Fans of Rob Riggle will appreciate his role in 'Let's Be Cops' because it showcases his signature blend of physical comedy and deadpan humor, reminiscent of his iconic performance in '
The Hangover,' where he played the boisterous and unpredictable Officer Herb. In 'Let's Be Cops,' Riggle plays a tough, no-nonsense cop who contrasts with the protagonists' amateurish antics, allowing him to demonstrate his comedic timing in a more grounded role. An interesting detail is that Riggle was initially considered for a cameo but impressed the filmmakers so much during auditions that his role was expanded, highlighting his ability to elevate supporting characters.
Nina Dobrev
Josie
In the movie "Let's Be Cops," Nina Dobrev plays the character Josie, the love interest of one of the main protagonists. This role is a departure from her earlier, more prominent work, such as her lead role in the supernatural drama series "
The Vampire Diaries." While she is primarily known for dramatic and supernatural roles, "Let's Be Cops" showcases her comedic timing and ability to engage in lighthearted, comedic environments. This performance stands out because it allowed Dobrev to demonstrate versatility beyond the intense and emotionally driven roles she was previously associated with, contributing to the expansion of her career into comedy films.
James D'Arcy
Mossi
In 'Let's Be Cops', James D'Arcy delivers a memorable performance as Mossi, infusing the character with a blend of sharp wit and charm that complements the film's comedic tone. Unlike his more dramatic roles in productions like '
Cloud Atlas' or 'Agent Carter', D'Arcy embraces a lighthearted and humorous approach, showcasing his versatility as an actor. Trivia enthusiasts might find it interesting that during the filming of 'Let's Be Cops', D'Arcy enjoyed collaborating with the leads, Jon Hamm and Jake Johnson, which brought an authentic camaraderie to their on-screen interactions.
Keegan-Michael Key
Pupa
In the movie 'Let's Be Cops,' Keegan-Michael Key stars alongside Jake Johnson as two friends who impersonate police officers, leading to a series of comedic and action-packed situations. Key's performance was well-received for its dynamic comedic timing and the chemistry he shared with Johnson, which brought a fresh and energetic vibe to the buddy cop genre. What made Key's role unique was his ability to blend physical comedy with witty improvisation, elevating the humor beyond typical slapstick. A lesser-known fact about the production is that Key and Johnson actually took a ride-along with real police officers to prepare for their roles, gaining insights that helped them portray the nuances of law enforcement with both respect and satire.
Andy García
Brolin
Jon Lajoie
Todd Cutter
Crew of Let's Be Cops
Full backstage crew list →