Latest Updates on the Silly, Spicy Cult Classic Remake (August 2024)

Madame Web might not have lived up to expectations for Sony’s Spider-Man-adjacent films, but it had an unexpected side effect: bringing Sydney Sweeney on board for the studio’s upcoming Barbarella reboot.

This might seem like a random series of events, but Sweeney spoke to GQ UK and explained, “Because I did that, I was able to sell Anyone But You. I was able to get Barbarella.” Anyone But You surpassed expectations with $220 million in global box-office receipts, garnering Sweeney significant goodwill from the studio. Now, let’s dive into where the Barbarella project stands and Sweeney’s vision for it.

Back in October 2022, Deadline exclusively revealed that Sydney Sweeney was attached as both star and executive producer of Sony’s planned reworking of the 1968 film, originally starring Jane Fonda. The movie, based on Jean-Claude Forest’s comic book series, featured a universe-traversing heroine in a sci-fi adventure filled with tight outfits and enormous hairstyles. Sony’s decision to relaunch this intellectual property was surprising, considering director Robert Rodriguez’s long-abandoned attempt to remake it with Rose McGowan.

Sweeney, however, seems like the perfect actress to draw audiences to this remake. She has the sense of humor and adventurous spirit necessary for the role. The Euphoria star announced her involvement on Instagram and shared her excitement on the Happy Sad Confused podcast with Josh Horowitz, where she confirmed, “it is” going to happen. Sweeney praised Barbarella for embracing her femininity and sexuality, saying, “She uses sex as a weapon, and I think it’s just such an interesting way into a sci-fi world.”

Additionally, Dynamite Entertainment, known for titles like The Boys, might hint at the project’s timing. The publisher announced a new Barbarella comic series featuring writer Blake Northcott and artist Anna Morozova. This series, launching in October, teases new adventures:

The series finds Barbs fresh off from saving the universe (again), cherishing a little rest and relaxation with her unique alien pet companion Vix. This is Barbarella after all though, and she’s about to discover that not all pleasure planets are created equal. In fact, some are downright unreal!

Meanwhile, all the way across the galaxy, there is something off about Earth’s oldest and most venerable colony. Altogether, Barbarella’s uniquely well-rounded skills will be in dire need across the cosmos, and she’s sure to run into all manner of unscrupulous figures along the way!

Could this new comic series be an indicator that Barbarella filming is on the horizon? Sony remains tight-lipped, only confirming the film is in development. However, Deadline reports Edgar Wright is in talks to direct, with Jane Goldman and Honey Ross negotiating to write the script.

Since Sony has yet to reveal an updated plot synopsis, here’s a brief look at the 1968 version:

The setting is the planet Lythion in the year 40,000, where Barbarella (Jane Fonda) makes a forced landing while travelling through space. She acts like a female James Bond, vanquishing evil in the form of robots and monsters. She also rewards, in an uninhibited manner, the handsome men who assist her in the adventure.

Sydney Sweeney’s involvement is the main factor keeping this project together. Questions remain about whether the robots and monsters will be realized with CGI or practical effects and how daring Sony will be with the casting.

The release date remains a tricky detail, as Edgar Wright is gearing up for a Stephen King’s The Running Man reboot starring Glen Powell. Meanwhile, Sweeney has numerous projects on her slate, including the third season of Euphoria, a biopic of boxer Christy Martin, Eden, and Echo Valley. Despite these busy schedules, Sweeney and Sony appear committed to the project, so keep your fingers crossed for the space adventure.

Filming hasn’t started yet, so don’t expect a trailer soon. However, the 1968 trailer for the Jane Fonda version remains a nostalgic treat: