Sony Pictures’ upcoming “Barbarella” reboot, set to star Sydney Sweeney, is gaining momentum with the potential addition of acclaimed director Edgar Wright. The “Shaun of the Dead” filmmaker is currently in negotiations to helm the project, while screenwriters Jane Goldman and Honey Ross are in talks to pen the script.
Wright’s Directorial Credits and Upcoming Projects
Edgar Wright has built a reputation for his distinctive style and satirical edge, as seen in his breakout zombie comedy “Shaun of the Dead” (2004). His other notable works include the action-comedy “Hot Fuzz” (2007), the comic book adaptation “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” (2010), the music-driven heist film “Baby Driver” (2017), and the psychological horror “Last Night in Soho” (2021).
Before potentially taking on “Barbarella,” Wright is set to direct Glen Powell in an adaptation of Stephen King’s dystopian novel “The Running Man.” This project further showcases Wright’s versatility and ability to tackle various genres.
Sydney Sweeney’s Growing Relationship with Sony Pictures
For rising star Sydney Sweeney, “Barbarella” marks another significant collaboration with Sony Pictures. The actress has recently starred in two high-profile projects for the studio: the romantic comedy “Anyone but You” and the Marvel Comics adaptation “Madame Web.”
Although “Madame Web” received a lukewarm reception from critics, Sweeney views her involvement as a strategic career move. In a recent interview, she explained, “To me, that film was a building block, it’s what allowed me to build a relationship with Sony. Without doing ‘Madame Web,’ I wouldn’t have a relationship with the decision-makers over there. Everything in my career I do not just for that story, but strategic business decisions. Because I did that, I was able to sell ‘Anyone but You.’ I was able to get ‘Barbarella.'”
The Original “Barbarella” and Previous Reboot Attempts
The 1968 “Barbarella” film, directed by Roger Vadim and based on the French comic series by Jean-Claude Forest, starred Jane Fonda as the titular space-traveling heroine. While not a box office hit at the time, the film has since garnered a cult following, with Fonda’s portrayal of Barbarella becoming one of her most iconic roles.
Several attempts to revive “Barbarella” on the big screen have been made over the years, but none have come to fruition. In 2023, Jane Fonda expressed her concerns about the reboot, stating, “I worry about what it’s going to be.”
Sweeney’s Excitement and the Film’s Potential
Despite Fonda’s apprehension, Sydney Sweeney has shown enthusiasm for the project. In October 2022, the actress confirmed her involvement by sharing a photo of the heroine on social media, captioned, “Time to save the universe.”
With Sweeney’s rising star power, Edgar Wright’s inventive direction, and the backing of Sony Pictures, the “Barbarella” reboot has the potential to introduce the iconic character to a new generation while paying homage to the original film’s campy charm.
As the project continues to take shape, fans eagerly await further details on the script, additional casting, and a potential release date. The combination of Sweeney’s talent and Wright’s unique vision could result in a fresh, exciting take on the beloved space adventure.
Information Sources: Variety and IMDb.
