Edgar Wright, known for Shaun of the Dead, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, and Baby Driver, is currently in discussions to direct the upcoming remake of the 1968 sci-fi classic Barbarella, with Sydney Sweeney set to star. This news (first reported by Variety) comes as the project, based on Jean-Claude Forest’s French comic series, moves forward in development.
The original 1968 Barbarella film, directed by Roger Vadim and starring Jane Fonda, follows the space traveller Barbarella on a mission to stop the evil scientist Durand Durand from deploying a destructive weapon. Despite its initial modest box office performance, the film has since achieved cult status.
In 2022, it was announced that Sydney Sweeney would take on the role of Barbarella in a reboot aimed at introducing the iconic character to a new generation. The script for the remake is set to be co-written by Jane Goldman, known for her work on Kick-Ass and Kingsman: The Secret Service, alongside Honey Ross (Everything I Know About Love).
Edgar Wright’s potential involvement in the project has raised expectations, given his previous successes in blending genres with films like The World’s End. Wright’s knack for fast-paced, visually striking filmmaking suggests that the Barbarella remake could bring a fresh, kinetic energy to the story.
Wright met with Sweeney shortly after the project was first announced, showing early interest in directing. Although his commitment was initially tentative, developments indicate he is now seriously considering the role. The inclusion of Jane Goldman as a co-writer signals a robust effort to craft a narrative that could potentially launch a new film franchise, building on the success of other franchises Goldman has helped to launch.
Meanwhile, Sydney Sweeney continues to build her filmography with successful projects. Following her roles in HBO’s hit series Euphoria and The White Lotus, Sweeney demonstrated her box office draw with the romantic comedy Anyone But You, which grossed over US$220 million worldwide against a US$25 million budget.
As Wright and Sweeney delve into other projects, including Wright’s The Running Man remake starring Sweeney’s co-star Glen Powell, the Barbarella remake remains a highly anticipated project.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.
A'bidah Zaid
