Kindergarten Cop 2: Class Dismissed (2026)
Rating: ★★★★☆

In a world filled with reboots and sequels, Kindergarten Cop 2: Class Dismissed emerges as a fresh, action-packed, and surprisingly thoughtful continuation of the 1990 hit Kindergarten Cop. Directed by a newcomer to the franchise, Class Dismissed steps away from the original’s kindergarten setting and propels Detective John Kimble (Arnold Schwarzenegger) into a new, high-stakes environment—academia. But while Kimble may have left his pint-sized students behind, the challenges he faces are no less daunting.

The New Setting: A Prestigious University

The plot of Kindergarten Cop 2: Class Dismissed follows Kimble as he transitions from his career as a tough, no-nonsense police detective to an undercover philosophy professor at an elite university. The change of scenery is jarring at first—no longer is he chasing down criminals on the streets, but instead, he’s navigating the tricky world of academia, navigating the minds of students, faculty, and deans with sharp wit and a set of new tools. However, the setting doesn’t reduce the intensity of his crime-fighting abilities. Kimble still brings his unique brand of direct action to his new role, where the stakes have only grown higher.

The film begins with Kimble receiving a new assignment from his department. He’s sent to investigate a dangerous conspiracy within the university. At the heart of the story is a plot to manipulate research funding, specifically a program that seeks to change the future of the university. What begins as a seemingly straightforward investigation quickly grows into a web of deceit involving corrupt faculty members, high-profile donors, and a much larger, darker scheme. The tension is palpable as Kimble, surrounded by a suspicious and elitist academic environment, must sift through false smiles and diplomatic charades to uncover the truth.

Arnold Schwarzenegger as Detective John Kimble

Arnold Schwarzenegger is back in the role of John Kimble, a character who made an iconic mark on popular culture in the original Kindergarten Cop. Though time has passed, Kimble’s innate qualities—his dedication to justice, no-nonsense attitude, and a genuine commitment to helping people—are still at the forefront. Schwarzenegger, now older and more seasoned, still carries the toughness and intensity that made him a legend. His portrayal of Kimble is both humorous and action-packed, offering plenty of nostalgia for fans of the original movie while simultaneously providing a new edge to the character.

However, as Kimble steps into his new academic role, we see a deeper, more nuanced side of him. As a philosophy professor, Kimble must grapple with abstract ideas, intellectual debates, and the complexities of academic bureaucracy. Schwarzenegger delivers these moments with charm, showing that he’s not just a muscle-bound action hero but a character capable of growth and reflection. While his ability to bulldoze through situations with brute force remains intact, we see him struggle to fit in with his new environment—wrestling with philosophical debates and the nuances of teaching in an academic setting. This portrayal of Kimble as a fish out of water makes for some of the most entertaining moments in the film.

The character’s transition from a hardened detective to a professor in the classroom adds layers to his personality. Schwarzenegger, playing it straight, delivers humor through the absurdity of Kimble’s new situation—teaching philosophy to students who are barely interested in the subject. Kimble’s frustration with his students’ lack of enthusiasm mirrors his previous experiences with uncooperative criminals, yet the stakes here are much higher: the future of the university’s research funding. While Kimble may not be teaching philosophy in the most conventional manner, his approach to law enforcement and justice shines through, and his unique way of handling the intellectual elite makes for some memorable interactions.

Zendaya as the Brilliant Teaching Assistant

While Arnold Schwarzenegger is front and center, Kindergarten Cop 2: Class Dismissed also brings in Zendaya, who is nothing short of extraordinary as Kimble’s teaching assistant, a brilliant and enigmatic student named Rachel. Zendaya plays a multi-dimensional character who harbors a secret agenda of her own. While on the surface, she appears to be nothing more than a mild-mannered, ambitious TA eager to help Kimble navigate his way through academia, her true intentions are far more complicated.

As the film progresses, it becomes clear that Rachel is not just a helping hand for Kimble but is embroiled in the very conspiracy that Kimble is trying to uncover. Her motivations are not immediately apparent, and Zendaya brings the right balance of mystery and charm to the role. She’s the perfect foil to Schwarzenegger’s Kimble: quick-witted, cerebral, and at times, a little mysterious. Their dynamic offers a refreshing contrast as Kimble, the blunt instrument of justice, is paired with Rachel, whose intelligence and resourcefulness serve as his greatest asset in cracking the case.

Zendaya excels in the role, showing her range as an actress. While she is no stranger to action-packed roles, she proves here that she can handle the intellectual and emotional depth required to balance Kimble’s boisterous energy. In a pivotal moment in the film, Rachel reveals her hidden connection to the conspiracy, and Zendaya’s emotional range allows her to transition seamlessly from the charming, idealistic student to a morally complex character who is conflicted about her actions. Zendaya breathes new life into the role and adds an extra layer of intrigue to the plot.

Channing Tatum as the Gym Coach with a Surprising Depth

Channing Tatum plays gym coach Greg, a character whose initial impression is that of a stereotypical tough-guy teacher who doesn’t have much depth. At first glance, Greg appears to be just another supporting character, but as the film progresses, Tatum’s performance reveals a much more complex figure. Greg, though initially gruff and rugged, turns out to be a crucial ally in Kimble’s investigation. His role as a gym coach turns out to be more than just lifting weights and yelling at students; Greg has a surprising level of insight into the inner workings of the university’s culture, and his past experiences make him an unexpected asset in the investigation.

Tatum’s portrayal of Greg adds a unique dynamic to the film. His humor and charm bring a lightness to the movie, offering moments of levity in an otherwise intense narrative. His chemistry with both Schwarzenegger and Zendaya enhances the film, as the trio’s interactions bring out the best in each other. While his character doesn’t take center stage, Tatum’s performance provides much-needed balance in the midst of the high-stakes investigation, offering some genuinely comedic moments while also contributing to the film’s suspense and action.

Action, Suspense, and Humor

As expected from a Kindergarten Cop sequel, Class Dismissed balances its action sequences with humor, creating a thrilling ride filled with suspense and entertainment. The action scenes are intense and explosive, from high-speed chases on campus to hand-to-hand combat in academic hallways. Kimble’s no-nonsense approach to dealing with threats doesn’t change, and the film’s action set pieces are elevated by his signature move of using whatever is at hand to solve problems. The plot weaves in exciting moments of investigation, as Kimble and his team work to uncover the conspiracy, all while navigating the chaos of college life.

At the heart of it all is the comedic element. The film smartly uses the absurdity of Kimble’s new role as a philosophy professor to create funny moments that feel both fresh and familiar. Kimble’s bafflement at trying to teach philosophical theories to uninterested students provides a hilarious juxtaposition to the intense action unfolding around him. The film also explores the clash between Kimble’s straightforward approach to justice and the intellectual complexities of academia, creating a unique blend of humor and suspense that keeps the audience engaged throughout.

A Perfect Blend of Action, Humor, and Suspense

In the end, Kindergarten Cop 2: Class Dismissed delivers on all fronts. With Arnold Schwarzenegger back in the role that made him a comedy action legend, Zendaya providing a stellar performance as a brilliant but secretive teaching assistant, and Channing Tatum offering depth to a seemingly simple character, the film has the right mix of elements for a hit. The action scenes are fast-paced and exhilarating, the humor is sharp, and the conspiracy plot is intriguing enough to keep viewers hooked.

Kindergarten Cop 2: Class Dismissed proves that sequels don’t have to just rely on nostalgia to succeed. It takes the beloved elements of the original and brings them to a new, thrilling, and hilarious level. With an excellent cast, a solid story, and a perfect balance of humor and action, it’s a film that’s not to be missed.