The upcomingCruel Intentionsreboot reveals new plot details and images for the reimagined version of the ’90s cult classic, as it becomes updated into a TV series. The originalcast ofCruel Intentionsbrought to life a story of intrigue, focused on two step-siblings willing to do anything to keep the heights of their social statuses intact. A TV reboot was announced in October 2021, with the series getting a full order by Amazon in April 2023. The show is expected to pull inspiration from the original while maintaining its own story updated for the modern era.
Now,Entertainment Weeklyhas released images for theCruel Intentionsreboot, revealing details about the sorority-set reimagining of the movie. A variety of characters and actors can be seen attending various events, teasing plenty of characters who get wrapped up in the story. This includesstep-siblings Caroline Merteuil (Sarah Catherine Hook) and Lucien Belmont (Zac Burgess) speaking to various characters, including an intimate moment between Lucien and Annie Grover (Savannah Lee Smith) in a swimming pool. This reflects the story of the siblings trying to maintain their status after a public hazing incident that puts their sorority lives in jeopardy.
Co-showrunners Sara Goodman and Phoebe Fisher also explained how Greek college life reflects the spirit of the original while adding new twists. This includesAnnie being at the center of the story, the daughter of the Vice President of the United Stateswhom Caroline and Lucien want to seduce. Goodman also highlighted giving the series a timeless feel while also keeping it within a modern setting. There will also be nods to the movie, including Sean Patrick Thomas appearing and other references throughout. Check out the images and some of what Goodman and Fisher had to say below:
Fisher: We talked a lot about what the peek behind the curtain of a rarefied world that we hadn’t seen before could be, where it felt like it had its own social hierarchy.
Goodman: Part of the conversation was: How do we stay true to everything we loved about the movie but put it in a world that we haven’t necessarily seen before? It is modern, but we don’t do social media. It feels like our characters read newspapers. We really wanted to put it in this kind of timeless place.
What Cruel Intentions’ Story Details & Images Say About The TV Reboot
While Pulling From The Original, It Will Be Telling Its Own Story
While it can be argued the90s cult classic aged poorlybecause of its weaponization of sexuality in the story,Cruel Intentionsmarked an important moment in the careers of its stars.Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, and Reese Witherspoon’s performances showcased their ability to bring a twisted drama to life, giving the upcoming TV reboot much to live up to. However, with Goodman and Fisher intending for their rendition to stand out from the original, it seems the new version could stake its own claim with a unique storyline.
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By setting the TV version in a sorority, the upcoming Prime Video series has a chance to deeply explore its setting through a variety of unique characters. This could lead to some events that rivalCruel Intentions' most shocking moments, giving the series its own identity while referring back to the original.A TV format also means more development for the show’s secondary characters, which include Cece Carroway (Sara Silva), Caroline Merteuil (Sarah Catherine Hook), Scott Russell (Khobe Clarke), Blaise Powell (John Harlan Kim), and Beatrice Worth (Brooke Lena Johnson).
Our Take On Cruel Intentions' TV Show Story & Images
The Series Will Have A Different Feel To The Original Movie
While it’s unclear if Amazon’s rendition ofCruel Intentionscan live up to the original movie, the show’s unique spin on the story can at least make it stand out in comparison. While Thomas' return in the show means a potential connection to the film, it’s unclear how much the movie will influence this updated version. With just two months remaining before the series arrives on Prime Video, it won’t be long until more concrete details about what to expect are revealed.
Cruel Intentionsis loosely based on the 1782 novelDangerous Liaisonsby Pierre Choderlos de Laclos.
Cruel Intentions
Cast
With a screenplay and direction by Roger Kumble, Cruel Intentions is a Romance and Teen Drama film that stars Selma Blair, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Reese Witherspoon, and Ryan Phillippe. The plot revolves around a group of teens, with a man betting one of them that he can seduce a girl successfully.
