The actress, who starred in the original 1999 film, expressed her curiosity and excitement over the new adaptation though she has not been asked to star on the TV series.
- October 26, 2024
AceShowbiz - Amazon Prime Video's upcoming "Cruel Intentions" TV series has been generating buzz even before its trailer dropped. Veteran actress Selma Blair, who starred in the original 1999 film, expressed her curiosity and excitement over the new adaptation. "I knew it was coming but I can't believe I haven't seen the trailer," Blair told Variety at Thursday's (October 24) Power of Women event.
Despite her enthusiasm, Blair, who played the innocent Cecile Caldwell in the film, revealed she was not approached for a cameo. "Maybe there will be a cameo or something but no, I haven't been asked anything," she said. Regardless, Blair is eager to see the fresh take on the beloved story.
The original "Cruel Intentions", based on the classic novel "Dangerous Liaisons", featured a star-studded cast including Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe and Reese Witherspoon. In the 1999 film, Blair's character Cecile found herself entangled with her cello instructor, portrayed by Sean Patrick Thomas. Interestingly, Thomas will return to the universe of "Cruel Intentions", this time embodying Professor Hank Chadwick on the new series.
The new TV adaptation shifts the setting to Manchester College, a university near Washington, D.C. The storyline revolves around two ruthless step-siblings willing to stop at nothing to maintain their dominance in the school's social hierarchy. According to the official logline, "After a brutal hazing incident threatens the entire Panhellenic system at their school, they'll do whatever is necessary to preserve their power and reputation, even if that means seducing the daughter of the vice president of the United States."
Directed and executive produced by original film director Roger Kumble, the show features a promising young cast, including Sarah Catherine Hook, Zac Burgess, Savannah Lee Smith, Sara Silva, John Harlan Kim, Khobe Clarke and Brooke Lena Johnson. The seasoned guidance of Kumble, along with co-showrunners and executive producers Sara Goodman and Phoebe Fisher, ensures a seamless bridge between the nostalgic allure of the original film and the fresh, modern twists.
Blair's simple yet sage advice to the new cast resonates with her excitement, "Enjoy every minute and be on time - and know your lines!"
Scheduled for a November 21 release, fans both old and new can look forward to binge-watching all eight episodes exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. As we await its debut, the anticipation surrounding "Cruel Intentions" TV series signals a promising revival that stays true to its roots while engaging the contemporary audience.
