How the Cruel Intentions Series Connects to the Original Movie

How the Cruel Intentions Series Connects to the Original Movie

As a child of the ’90s, I vividly remember the electrifying impact “Cruel Intentions” had on me and my generation. The film was not just a movie; it was an experience, a cultural phenomenon that brought us together. It was our “Dirty Dancing,” our “Breakfast Club,” our “Pretty in Pink.” So when I heard about the remake, I must admit, I was filled with both excitement and trepidation.


1990s classic, “Cruel Intentions,” showcased the acting prowess of Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, and Reese Witherspoon. This sensual and steamy romantic drama revolved around the scheming step-siblings Kathryn Merteuil and Sebastian Valmont, who orchestrated a wager where the infamous ladies’ man sought to win over the virtuous Annette Hargrove. The film captivated audiences, raking in over $75 million at the box office, and ultimately cemented its status as one of the defining hits of the 90s.

After facing numerous obstacles and delays, the much-anticipated TV adaptation of the ’99 hit movie and Pierre Choderlos de Laclos novel is now ready for its thrilling debut on Amazon Prime Video on November 21, 2024. Instead of its original setting, this new version will unfold on a Washington D.C. campus, where an enchanting love triangle will come to life. We’ll examine how the series compares to the original film and find out if any cast members from the movie are expected to return.

A Modern Remake of the ’90s Cult Classic

How the Cruel Intentions Series Connects to the Original MovieHow the Cruel Intentions Series Connects to the Original MovieHow the Cruel Intentions Series Connects to the Original Movie

Drawing inspiration from the renowned 1999 cult film of the same name, the contemporary television adaptation Cruel Intentions reimagines both the beloved movie and Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’ novel. The narrative unfolds at the prestigious Manchester College in Washington D.C., where step-siblings Caroline Merteuil (Sarah Catherine Hook) and Lucien Belmont (Zac Burgess) have worked diligently to become two of the most influential members of Greek life on campus.

In a tragic twist of events when a hazing incident backfires, the cunning pair will stop at nothing to preserve the lofty social standing they have painstakingly built up. The scheming Caroline, who leads Delta Phi, teams up with her playboy step-brother Lucien, and together they aim to persuade Annie Grover, the daughter of the Vice President of the United States (portrayed by Savannah Lee Smith), to join Caroline’s sorority. With a sly smile, the manipulative Caroline boasts in the trailer, “One thing they won’t do is expel the sorority of the Vice President’s daughter from campus.

Hook is set to play Caroline, a character inspired by Sarah Michelle Gellar’s captivating portrayal of Kathryn Merteuil in the beloved ’90s series. Meanwhile, Burgess will embody Manchester College’s charmer Lucien, drawing from Ryan Phillippe’s performance as Sebastian Valmont. Lastly, Smith’s character Annie Grover bears resemblance to Reese Witherspoon’s Annette Hargrove in virtue. Together, these three lead the main cast in the highly anticipated remake. In this eight-episode retelling, a passionate and intricate love triangle will unfold among the college students, culminating in a succession of steamy incidents.

Callbacks & Easter Eggs Galore

How the Cruel Intentions Series Connects to the Original MovieHow the Cruel Intentions Series Connects to the Original MovieHow the Cruel Intentions Series Connects to the Original Movie

The upcoming TV series remake, long anticipated by fans, will be filled with numerous references and hidden gems from the original movie, just like the trailer itself plays a rendition of The Verve’s “Bitter Sweet Symphony,” a tune that was significantly present during the climactic moments in the ’99 film. This revealing trailer also depicts a tender scene between Lucien and Annie swimming, which echoes the pulse-pounding moment when Witherspoon and Phillippe’s characters Annette and Sebastian fell deeply in love, as seen in the movie where they truly connected.

The memorable scene from the ’90s classic, “Cruel Intentions,” that remains etched in our minds, is the passionate kiss between Gellar’s Kathryn and Selma Blair’s Cecile Caldwell, a sensual and heated moment captured in Central Park. The Cruel Intentions series trailer hinted at this iconic kiss and cleverly showcased the black vintage Jaguar XK140, which was Sebastian’s cherished car in the movie and was driven by Caroline in a fleeting glimpse.

Sean Patrick Thomas, an actor from the original movie, is coming back for the TV series. In the original, he portrayed Cecile’s music teacher Ronald Clifford, but in this remake, he will play Professor Hank Chadwick. Phoebe Fisher and Sara Goodman are responsible for the Prime Video reboot and are also serving as executive producers. Their aim is to pay homage to the original film while establishing a unique world centered around the timeless story. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly in 2024, they discussed striking a balance between honoring the past and creating something new.

The vehicle is there, along with the cross pendant and the song ‘Bitter Sweet Symphony.’ Whenever it suited the narrative or the aesthetic of our series, we incorporated these elements. We have a strong affinity for this movie, but we’re not aiming to redefine brutality in any way. Instead, we want to maintain an authentic, timeless feel.

The Remake Has Huge Shoes to Fill

How the Cruel Intentions Series Connects to the Original MovieHow the Cruel Intentions Series Connects to the Original MovieHow the Cruel Intentions Series Connects to the Original Movie

Stepping into the shoes of a movie critic, let me share my thoughts on the iconic ’90s gem, “Cruel Intentions”. This film, with its captivating narrative and electrifying performances by Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, and Reese Witherspoon, has left an indelible mark on cinema. Its enduring popularity and global success have only served to amplify the already illustrious careers of its stars.

The success of the movie sparked two sequels, Cruel Intentions 2 (released in 2000) and Cruel Intentions 3 (2004), neither of which were well-received by critics or viewers. A TV series based on the original film’s storyline was proposed for NBC in 2015, focusing on Sebastian and Annette’s son who finds his father’s journal, but the network decided not to proceed with the project.

As a passionate film enthusiast looking forward to the revival of “Cruel Intentions,” I was initially excited about Sarah Michelle Gellar’s return as Kathryn Merteuil for the aborted project. However, I now view its cancellation as a fortunate turn of events. In an interview with The New York Times, she expressed her belief that the concept would have been better suited for “straight streaming” rather than a network show, and added, “If it’s a network show, it’s not my ‘Cruel Intentions.’ So, I was actually grateful.

Stream Cruel Intentions on Prime Video on November 21, 2024.

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2024-11-02 01:31