inewsamerica: So Clueless Is Getting a Remake, Whether You Like It or Not

Alicia Silverstone in Clueless, 1995.

From Everett Collection.

Remake fever has befallen Clueless. The 90s classic—a reimagining of Jane Austen’s Emma, starring Alicia Silverstone as a spoiled but well-meaning Beverly Hills high schooler—is apparently getting remade for a new generation, whether you like it or not. Girls Trip writer Tracy Oliver is producing, with a script by GLOW writer Marquita Robinson.

On Twitter, Oliver clarified that this Clueless will be a new version of the story, not a continuation of the original 1995 film.

The writer-producer also seems prepared to deal with complainers who ask why she’s bothering to remake an already great movie, rather than applying her powers to an original project. “Like . . . Girls Trip?” Oliver shot back on Twitter, responding to someone who asked that very question—referring to her blockbuster 2017 comedy, which turned Tiffany Haddish into a household name. By the laws of Hollywood, that success means Oliver must move on to nostalgic reboots and remakes.

Skilled as Oliver may be, it is hard to not feel a little trepidatious about a Clueless remake. The original film, one of the greatest romantic comedies ever made, is pretty flawless—and so deeply a product of its time that any attempts to re-use its formula might end up looking like a total Monet. At least Oliver plans to put a new spin on this material, rather than going the beat-for-beat re-do path. Perhaps that’ll also mean her new version will be more inclusive than the original film, giving us the sort of project that Paramount’s misguided Heathers reboot tragically failed to deliver. One can dream. And besides: the original Clueless will always be there if you want to watch it.

This also won’t be Oliver’s first time rebooting treasured property. She’s currently working on a TV-series version of the 1996 hit film The First Wives Club, set to star Jill Scott and comedian Michelle Buteau, among others. So, Oliver’s got films from 1995 and 1996 in her pocket. Grab something from the following year, and she’ll complete her holy trinity. You thinkin’ what I’m thinkin’? That’s right: Titanic, baby.

Funnily enough, Oliver isn’t the only one with Clueless on the brain. There’s an Off Broadway musical based on the film set to premiere in November—and, according to The Hollywood Reporter, Anya Taylor-Joy is also set to star in a new adaptation of Austen’s Emma. The film will be directed by Autumn de Wilde, making her feature debut, with a script by Man Booker Prize-winning author Eleanor Catton. Jane Austen Hive, rejoice—for now is your time!