AceShowbiz - The classic 1990s psychological thriller Single White Female is getting a modern revival with two of Hollywood's most sought-after young stars attached. Jenna Ortega and Taylor Russell are set to headline the new film, now titled Single Female, for 3000 Pictures, a division of Sony Pictures. The project has taken a significant step forward with the hiring of screenwriter Sarah DeLappe, who will pen the script, as first reported by Deadline.

This new iteration is a remake of the 1992 feature Single White Female, which itself was an adaptation of author John Lutz's novel SWF Seeks Same. The original film starred Bridget Fonda and Jennifer Jason Leigh and became a defining thriller of its era. The story follows a young woman named Allison who, after a breakup, decides to rent out a room in her apartment. Her new tenant, Hedra, initially seems ideal but gradually reveals increasingly strange and obsessive behavior, leading to a tense and dangerous dynamic. The 1992 film was a commercial success, collecting $84.1 million at the global box office, which equates to approximately $195.8 million in today's currency.

The involvement of Sarah DeLappe brings a sharp, contemporary voice to the project. DeLappe is best known for writing the acclaimed A24 horror-comedy Bodies Bodies Bodies, a film celebrated for its Gen Z satire and clever dialogue. Her assignment suggests the remake will likely infuse the classic suspense framework with a modern sensibility and character-driven tension relevant to today's audience. DeLappe is represented by CAA, Entertainment 360, and Schreck Rose.

Jenna Ortega and Taylor Russell are not only attached to star but will also serve as producers on the film alongside industry veterans Stacey Sher and Marisa Paiva. The news of their casting was initially announced last year, but the securing of a writer marks a key development in moving the project toward production. This dual role as stars and producers indicates a deep creative investment from both actresses in shaping the new version of the story.

Jenna Ortega is currently one of the most prominent young actors in the industry. She is in production on the highly anticipated third season of the Netflix series Wednesday, in which she plays the titular lead. Her upcoming film slate is also formidable; she is set to star in director Taika Waititi's Sony feature adaptation of Klara and the Sun, as well as in J.J. Abrams' film The Great Beyond, which Warner Bros. will release later this year. Ortega is represented by CAA and Jackoway Austen.

Taylor Russell has similarly built an impressive and critically admired career. She recently made her stage debut in the play The Effect and is widely recognized for her breakout role in director Luca Guadagnino's film Bones and All, where she starred opposite Timothée Chalamet. Her next project is the film Hope from acclaimed director Na Hong-jin. Russell is represented by UTA and Lichter Grossman.

The pairing of Ortega and Russell is a major draw for the project, combining two actors known for their compelling screen presence and ability to navigate complex, genre-driven material. Their individual fan bases and critical acclaim position Single Female as a potential standout in the thriller genre. The original film's plot, centered on themes of identity, obsession, and paranoia within a shared living space, offers rich material for a reinterpretation that could explore new social and psychological dimensions.

While a director has not yet been announced for the remake, the combination of a proven source material, a talented screenwriter with genre expertise, and two in-demand leading actresses creates substantial anticipation. The project sits within 3000 Pictures' portfolio as a clear attempt to revive a recognizable intellectual property with fresh talent both in front of and behind the camera. The studio will likely be looking to capture the suspenseful essence of the original while allowing DeLappe, Ortega, and Russell to put a distinct, contemporary stamp on the narrative.

The development of Single Female continues the ongoing trend in Hollywood of revisiting popular films from the 1980s and 1990s, often with a focus on updating them for new generations and perspectives. The success of such ventures frequently hinges on finding the right creative alchemy between honoring the original's appeal and offering something new. With this team now in place, the film is poised to move into its next pre-production phases, including the search for a director and further casting. Fans of the original thriller and of the two stars will be watching closely for further updates as this high-profile remake continues to take shape under the Sony Pictures banner.