‘Cruel Intentions’ Remake Bosses on Movie’s Influences, Casting Their Love Triangle and Putting the Mean Back Into YA Dramas

As a longtime admirer of the original “Cruel Intentions,” I must say that the new cast has truly outdone themselves! The way they’ve breathed fresh life into these iconic characters is simply mesmerizing.

Over the course of 240 years, Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’ controversial novel “Les Liaisons Dangereuses”, published in 1782, has been reimagined approximately 30 times for stage plays, radio broadcasts, and film productions across five continents. However, Roger Kumble’s version of the story, titled “Cruel Intentions”, is widely recognized as one of its most captivating adaptations by many.

1999’s movie adaptation presents a twist on two former lovers-turned-adversaries, who ultimately undo each other by employing malicious tactics against the unwitting French nobility. This retelling transforms the morally questionable members of the French aristocracy into two rival step-siblings, Kathryn (played by Sarah Michelle Gellar) and Sebastian (Ryan Phillippe), both teenagers. The story begins with a wager fueled by jealousy, aimed at ruining a new classmate named Cecile (Selma Blair). However, the intensity of their competition escalates upon the introduction of Annette (played by Reese Witherspoon), the benevolent and principled daughter of their school’s affluent headmaster, who adds more fuel to the fire on the Upper East Side.

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but reflect on how Cruel Intentions, the blockbuster film, significantly elevated the careers of Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, and Reese Witherspoon. It underscored that the alluring yet ruthless aspects of reputation, power, and social politics could effectively unfold in the teen drama genre. Upon its premiere, the movie found itself among cinematic greats like Romeo + Juliet, 10 Things I Hate About You, and Clueless, becoming a staple of clever and influential modern adaptations. It paved the way for a thought-provoking era of young adult-led dramas, such as Bring It On, Mean Girls, and Gossip Girl, during the late ‘90s to mid-2000s.

Now, several decades have passed, and the TV series titled “Cruel Intentions” is set to start streaming this Thursday. When taking up the project for the series, Sara Goodman and Phoebe Fisher, who are co-showrunners and writers for Amazon’s new adaptation, were fully aware of the film’s legacy as well as the high expectations that come with using such a well-known title. However, the intriguing blend of a deep dive into libertine behavior combined with a fiery portrayal of the elite continued to be an alluring narrative for them to delve into.

In 2020, the creators of the series were approached by Sony Pictures Television and Amazon Studios (then known as MGM Studios). They drafted the initial two episodes and the show’s guidebook in 2021, followed by setting up the writers’ room in 2022. The filming of the series was completed in 2023, amidst a SAG-AFTRA strike. Although there were no significant revisions during the breaks, reshoots for five weeks were carried out, with a chilly Toronto standing in for a summery Washington, D.C.

In a contemporary twist by Goodman and Fisher, the formidable pair at the heart of the story are step-siblings Caroline (Sarah Catherine Hook) and Lucien (Zac Burgess). Following a hazing scandal that becomes public knowledge, they find themselves embroiled in a struggle to maintain their sorority and fraternity, as well as their own influence, through a perilous game involving each other and the students of an elite D.C. university. Among the newest arrivals is Annie (Savannah Lee Smith), the daughter of the Vice President of the United States, who has just joined this campus and city that serves as their modern “court.” Lucien initially schemes to win over Annie for his step-sister, hoping to leverage her connections to safeguard Greek life’s position atop the social ladder. However, as time goes on, Lucien develops genuine romantic feelings for Annie.

In the initial part of an extensive discussion with The Hollywood Reporter, Goodman and Fisher share insights about the motivations and aims behind their new series, as well as the modernized adaptation of “Les Liaisons Dangereuses,” a project that follows up on Kumble’s film, which was released 25 years ago.

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Have there been previous endeavors to create a TV show based on “Cruel Intentions”? Your project, however, seems to be the first one that’s taken flight. Can you tell us what sparked your interest in tackling this idea?

SARA GOODMAN Initially, when Amazon and Sony approached me about creating a show based on a popular title, I hesitated due to the large fanbase associated with it. To help bridge the generational gap, I invited Phoebe [Fisher] aboard. Although we both share a passion for the movie and television, our perspectives are different. We aimed to create a fresh take on the original work, similar to how Cruel Intentions was a modern interpretation of Dangerous Liaisons, which itself was an adaptation from the 1700s novel. People will always find ways to act despicably, and we saw an opportunity to make it engaging. I believe the primary motivation for moving forward with this project was our desire to explore unique characters and immerse ourselves in their lives.

PHOEBE FISHER I’ll repeat your points as well. The concept became clearer when we began to view the setting, or the world of fraternities and sororities, as an unexplored territory, a unique, traditional microcosm for our story. All the power struggles seemed to fit naturally within this fraternity and sorority context. It all started making sense once we started discussing it.

In the vast expanse of adaptations for Les Liaisons Dangereuses, there’s also a considerable universe surrounding Cruel Intentions, which includes a musical, prequels, sequels, and various TV spinoffs. Did you draw from any of these additional materials in your work?

Certainly!

As a keen admirer, I caught a glimpse of a brief video, and instantly thought to myself: “I’d best be patient; this will become a delightful reward I can savor later.”

In my approach, I steered clear of topics that seemed to veer us astray, yet I found myself revisiting the 1988 film “Dangerous Liaisons” because I believe the aristocratic atmosphere mirrors our fraternity-sorority world quite well. And, let me tell you, John Malkovich’s character is simply extraordinary, if I may say so! (Laughs)

FISHER Everybody in Dangerous Liasons is.

GOODMAN Yeah, look at that cast!

FISHER It’s such great source material to draw from and you have Uma [Thurman], Keanu [Reeves].

GOODMAN Michelle Pfeiffer.

FISHER Glenn Close! Indeed, her influence on us was just as profound as the impact of the movie “Cruel Intentions” from 1999.

In the 1999 film “Cruel Intentions,” although it can be harsh at times, it features some sophisticated dialogues among its teenage characters concerning power dynamics, social status, ethnicity, gender roles, sexual identity, ethics, consent, and misuse of technology. Which themes would you find intriguing to delve into in a contemporary adaptation?

who carries weight and who does not; the qualities that make someone influential and insignificant within any group or community.

FISHER Essentially, the process by which advantage is turned into a marketable entity, aiding in the acquisition and maintenance of power. We frequently discussed the elitist social structure within fraternities and sororities, which is characterized by class distinctions.

REPHRASED: Definitely classism, privilege, and exclusivity are prevalent issues. I was part of the original Gossip Girl series, and these themes were quite evident. In my opinion, television needs shows that can entertain while making us both love and despise characters within this context. Currently, either we’re being lectured about it or avoiding it entirely. So, I believe it’s time to tackle these realities in a humorous way by poking fun at those who embody them.

FISHER Let’s love to hate.

In a simpler and more conversational manner,

FISHER We aimed to create an entertaining environment while poking fun at both perspectives in our production – the fraternity/sorority side versus the anti-fraternity/sorority side. Our goal was to equally satirize and reveal the flaws of each, demonstrating that neither is inherently right or good. Only…

GOODMAN Sean [Patrick Thomas’ character]. (Laughs)

FISHER I think we’re equal opportunity awful? (Laughs)

GOODMAN When creating a series like Cruel Intentions, we can’t tone down the edge. It simply won’t work. We ensure that everything we do has consent, which is non-negotiable for us. We draw a clear line and won’t cross it, as it doesn’t align with our vision. What the show is about, however, involves characters using inappropriate language and acting cruelly towards each other. This harsh behavior stems from their complex desires, such as seeking power or yearning for love from their parents. This balance of cruelty and vulnerability is what makes a TV series compelling, rather than just a film.

“One reason why the harshness – along with other adult themes – of the show resonates might be due to a modification you made between the movie and series: moving the characters from high school to college. How did this shift provide more creative space for the writers?

REPHRASED To start with, I believe the experiences at college have been rather confined so far. College is a significant phase in one’s life, offering freedom from parental supervision for the first time. It gives the illusion of adulthood, but the real adult life lies just beyond this stage, where you are expected to navigate society without explicit guidelines or classes. This period presents an external pressure that transcends the question of which college to attend; it’s about discovering and defining oneself as an individual in life.

For many of us, it’s about finding ways to survive rather than focusing on every character specifically. The blend of independence and excessive freedom that comes with growing up often leads people to act in less desirable ways, creating a setting where such behaviors are accepted as the norm. Despite this, we continue to empathize with these characters and care for them because they are still young enough. Why do you appreciate YA literature? Because it allows us to be understanding towards their actions, offering them the advantage of the doubt.

FISHER Those frontal lobes are not done yet. (Laughs)

In what capacity did Roger Kumble, the original screenwriter and director, contribute to this project as an executive producer? What level of involvement can we expect from him?

GOODMAN He was there prior to us. It seems to me that he had an affinity for whatever they were planning with it since the start. I believe he was part of the initial NBC pilot that didn’t succeed, which is why he was present. However, he wasn’t actively involved in our project. Upon completing ours, he acknowledged its existence and expressed his admiration for it. We secured his approval before finalizing anything.

In your analysis, it seems there are numerous references and homages to his movie that can be spotted, particularly in terms of character development. When creating these characters, was the aim to present them as entirely fresh personalities or was it also important to intrigue the audience with connections to previous versions?

FISHER Our goal was indeed to pay tribute to these cherished characters, making it clear they’re part of our world. Since we’re developing a continuous series beyond the films, it was essential for us to create original characters that we could delve into over an extended period.

Absolutely! While the new characters share a resemblance with beloved ones from the past, they are not exactly the same individuals, but rather a fresh generation with their unique purposes. For instance, Sarah Catherine Hook isn’t portraying Sarah Michelle Gellar’s Kathryn. Instead, she embodies a contemporary character with her own objectives. There may be some similarities in their actions and intentions due to our fondness for these characters, but make no mistake, they are distinct entities. This is much like how Sarah Michelle Gellar wasn’t playing Glenn Close. We aim to honor the legacy of what preceded us without diminishing or disregarding it.

In your show, Sean Patrick Thomas portrays Professor Chadwick. Interestingly enough, he was also in a 1999 film, which shares a connection with that movie as it featured Swoosie Kurtz, who starred in ‘Dangerous Liaisons’. You might be wondering how Sean ended up in the cast?

GOODMAN I mean, when we heard he was interested —

We were thrilled beyond belief. We couldn’t hide our enthusiasm. We exclaimed, “Could it really be him? It might just happen?” The anticipation was overwhelming. Our casting director, Lauren Grey, confirmed our thoughts, “Absolutely, he would make a fantastic Chadwick.” And that’s when we knew – it was Chadwick for us.

GOODMAN We aimed to ensure the actor portraying that character had autonomy as he is the emotional core of the series. Alongside Scott, they can be considered the most noble characters, in my opinion. Although Chadwick finds himself in a challenging predicament, his response, filled with moral integrity and centeredness, reflects what any ideal person might do in such a situation.

FISHER He’s the adult of the show. (Laughs)

During my conversation with Sean Patrick Thomas, he mentioned that certain aspects of his character’s experiences are perceived through a racial lens due to his being a black actor portraying a black character. However, these aspects may not have been intentionally written into the character by the writer. Therefore, I’m wondering if the casting for this entire series was color-blind?

GOODMAN In truth, we believed it was essential for Lucien and Caroline to be portrayed as Caucasian. This wasn’t due to the belief that only whites can exploit others, but rather a sense that their inherited privilege was so profound that no person of color could plausibly embody such entitlement. It seemed deeply rooted in their fictional lineage. Additionally, we wanted Lucien and Caroline to resemble siblings visually, despite not being biologically related. We also desired Beatrice [Brooke Lena Johnson] to be white to fit the “white knight” stereotype. Otherwise, our approach was to remain color-neutral in casting.

As a passionate viewer, I’d like to express my thoughts on the expanded character development in this series due to its extended runtime from 90 minutes to eight hours. However, the core trio continues to be pivotal in this narrative. Could you elaborate on the qualities and traits you sought for Caroline and Annie during the casting process?

FISHER This role is quite challenging for the trio, and for this particular production, there’s an abundance of dialogue. The tone needs to be both comically over-the-top and dramatically intense. They had to embody the harshness and the humanity, while also creating a believable chemistry between them. We didn’t have any preconceived ideas about who we were searching for. But when we saw them, it was like, “That’s exactly who we need.” It quickly became apparent that they were our ideal cast.

GOODMAN We didn’t want Caroline to be instantly perceived as a villain. Sarah Catherine Hook possesses a delicate charm that belies her strength. Her previous roles haven’t taken her in this direction.

I believe she was taken aback when we didn’t consider her for the role of Annie. She seemed to think she was being considered for the Reese Witherspoon character. However, she’s not Annie; instead, she’s Caroline, our strong and attractive leading lady.

GOODMAN In the reboot of Gossip Girl, Savannah stood out as a quick-witted and sarcastic character. We aimed to give her a contemporary personality that was true to the original while also being unique. She’s sharp-tongued, she’s sassy, she understands people’s desires from her. She’s not the naive virgin stereotype found in many stories today. Our goal was to allow all characters to explore comedy, sexuality, drama, and complex interactions. At the same time, we wanted them to feel authentic, ensuring that their realness shone through.

It’s likely that Lucien holds the greatest anticipation among those familiar with the 1999 movie regarding this role. However, the character, in certain aspects, is quite a product of its era. Could you discuss what elements you aimed to capture in your portrayal?

In discussing the love triangle within this story’s title, we referred to Lucien as the contested soul. Annie represents the virtuous side, Caroline symbolizes the corrupt one, while Lucien stands as a character with the potential for good or evil. Zac, I believe, embodies this complexity – he harbors deep-seated issues and hidden kindness, making it seem plausible that he could lean towards either goodness or darkness at any given moment.

GOODMAN Frequently, we discussed Lucien as though he was raised by wolves, thus turning into one – the only way to coexist with wolves is to transform into a wolf. During auditions, many actors entered aggressively sensual, and we believed that such an approach wouldn’t suit modern-day Lucien. Why would people desire to sleep with him? Why would he attract women? There needs to be something about him – his vulnerabilities should be visible. Because that’s what women are drawn to: “I see this weakness. I can mend it.” (Laughs)

It was crucial for us that he seemed genuine to us, and his actions didn’t appear premeditated. In addition, there was a youthful, uncalculated quality about Zac that resonated with us, which we believe was significant for Lucien. Zac has this unique ability to switch between openness and guardedness in an instant, leaving you questioning if what you saw was genuine or manipulated. To portray him as complex without making him Machiavellian, Zac truly delivered a remarkable performance.

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The first episode of Cruel Intentions will be available for streaming on Thursday on Prime Video, with subsequent episodes being released weekly throughout the entire eight-episode season.

2024-11-21 00:56

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