Charlie’s Angels Set to Return: Sony Revives the Action Franchise
Sony Pictures is dusting off the iconic Charlie’s Angels franchise, announcing plans for a new feature film. The studio has tapped Pete Chiarelli, known for his work on The Proposal and Crazy Rich Asians, to write the script. This marks the latest attempt to recapture the magic of the property, which began as a hugely popular television series in 1976.
A History of Angels: From TV to the Big Screen
Charlie’s Angels first captivated audiences as a crime drama on ABC, running from 1976 to 1981. The show starred Farrah Fawcett, Kate Jackson, and Jaclyn Smith as private investigators working for the mysterious Charlie Townsend. The premise – skilled women detectives operating under the guidance of an unseen boss – proved incredibly popular and helped launch the career of television producer Aaron Spelling.
The franchise successfully transitioned to the big screen in 2000 with a film starring Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz, and Lucy Liu, directed by McG. The movie grossed $264.1 million worldwide, spawning a 2003 sequel, Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle. A 2011 television reboot was short-lived, lasting only seven episodes. More recently, a 2019 film starring Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, and Ella Balinska failed to resonate with audiences.
Chiarelli’s Track Record and the Future of the Franchise
Pete Chiarelli brings a diverse writing background to the project. He initially worked as a producer before transitioning to screenwriting, finding success with the romantic comedy The Proposal. His credits also include the heist thriller Now You See Me 2 and the adaptation of Crazy Rich Asians. He is currently involved with GOAT, a new animated feature from Sony Pictures Animation.
While details about the new Charlie’s Angels film are scarce, the choice of Chiarelli suggests a potential blend of action, comedy, and perhaps even romance. It remains unclear who will produce the film, though sources indicate Drew Barrymore and her Flower Films banner, which were instrumental in the 2000s films, may be involved. Sony has not yet commented on production details.
The Challenges of Reboots and the Evolving Action Landscape
The recent history of Charlie’s Angels demonstrates the challenges of rebooting established franchises. The 2019 film attempted to modernize the concept by portraying the Townsend Agency as a global security organization, but it ultimately underperformed at the box office. This highlights the need for a fresh approach that honors the core elements of the franchise while appealing to contemporary audiences.
Pro Tip:
Successful reboots often focus on updating the premise for a modern audience while retaining the spirit of the original. Nostalgia is a powerful tool, but it must be balanced with innovation.
FAQ
- What is Charlie’s Angels about? It’s about highly skilled female detectives working as private investigators for the Townsend Agency, guided by the unseen Charlie Townsend.
- Who is writing the new movie? Pete Chiarelli, known for The Proposal and Crazy Rich Asians, is penning the script.
- Will Drew Barrymore be involved? It’s possible, as one source suggests her production company, Flower Films, may return.
- When will the new movie be released? The project is currently in early development, so a release date has not been announced.
Stay tuned for further updates on the development of this exciting new chapter in the Charlie’s Angels saga.
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