A week after we all indulged in some serious reminiscing about the master of 1980s teen angst, John Hughes, Hollywood announced today that it’s got more ’80s nostalgia up its sleeve: the Brat Pack-flick-to-end-all-Brat Pack flicks, St. Elmo’s Fire, is being reworked as a dramedy TV series for ABC. The 1985 original, directed by Joel Schumacher, starred a veritable who’s-who of young stars of the Reagan era: Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Andrew McCarthy, Demi Moore, Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy, and Mare Winningham. They played recent Georgetown University grads figuring out how to be proper yuppies grown-ups.
Good idea, or further proof of Hollywood’s lack of original thought? Since I suspect the answer to that question will depend largely on casting, let’s help out the producers — they include Schumacher and Topher Grace — by throwing some ideas their way, shall we? For now, it’s unclear whether Grace will take a role for himself, but if he did, the former That 70s Show-er could nab the McCarthy role, a sullen dude in love with the girlfriend of one of his best friends. She was originally played by Sheedy, and the wonderful Alia Shawat from Arrested Development could do a fine job bringing her back to life with some razor-sharp comedic timing. (That is, as long as it doesn’t interfere with the Arrested Development movie! Otherwise, hands off, Joel!) Maybe the recently fired Rachelle Lefevre could take over where Moore left off, playing the hedonistic party girl of the group. Or…Megan Fox? Ha ha ha! It’s completely far-fetched and will never happen, but I’m laughing myself silly imagining the loud-mouthed Transformers star sporting too much pink and lots of high hair on the small screen.
As for the other roles, I’ll leave that to you, PopWatchers. We need a waiter/aspiring lawyer (Estevez), a saxophonist bad boy (Lowe), a ruthless politician (Nelson), and a shy virgin (Winningham). What combination of young actors could get together and — cringe alert! — revive the original gang’s trademark “boogada boogada boogada, ha ha ha!” rallying cry?
Is this going to be set in the 80s or today? It will be different. I’m not hip enough to know who the cool kids are today.
This is my question, too!
Shannon Woodward and/or Noel Fisher from the Riches would be great for this. I can easily see Fisher in the Kirby (Estevez) role.
I thought we were over 80s nostalgia. I’m already getting 90s nostalgia fatigue (no more Aaron Spelling reboots, for the love of God…)
Buuuuutt…. I would get a huge kick out of Topher Grace on television again. I love him too much for him to fade back into obscurity. I’d rather have him acting than producing this, or both if he can handle it.
As for the rest? I was glad your Megan Fox comment was sarcastic. For a second, I took it seriously. You don’t need to be a good actress for this kind of show (reboots ahoy! Cupid, 90210, Melrose Place, etc.) but you need to be more than eye candy. After seeing Rachelle Lefevre on last week’s Better Off Ted, I would be happy to watch her on my television screen every week.
I know she’s too old for “recent college grad” but I wish Lisa Weil from Gilmore girls would come back to tv- I can see her in the Ally Sheedy role for sure- DawninDenver Mile High Horrors
I don’t think Liza Weil would be too old at all! She’s got a very young face.
For that matter though, I could see the character of Suki from Gilmore Girls in the Ally Sheedy role as well
Jason Dohring! Sorry, I’m obligated by Veronica Mars fandom to suggest him for any part needing a 20-something male.
Oh I don’t know if he’d do this because all the roles would be kind of a supporting role but I think he’d be great as the politician
If they set it in the 80′s and make it work, it would be great. The 70′s had a 50′s show (Happy Days). The 80′s had a 60′s show (Wonder Years). The 90′s had a 70′s show (That 70′s Show, duh). We have yet to have a succesful 80′s show and this decade is rapidly drawing to a close. Hopefully someone comes up with something good soon.
Out of hand! I was just thinking about this movie this morning! Not sure how I feel about a tv show but I do have the urge to rewatch the movie for the hundredth time…
Well, there are any number of talented ex-FNL-ers to choose from. Minka Kelly, anyone? Zach Gilford? And, yes, I’m all for Jason Dohring. He could be Judd Nelson.
Jordana Brewster in the Demi Moore role
Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Andrew McCarthy, Demi Moore, Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy, Mare Winningham; they could all use the work.
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For the love of Ray J, stop with this stuff! First I heard they want to remake the greatest Kung-Fu movie ever, The Last Dragon, then that movie about the Commies coming and taking over the US and now this. STOP IT NOW!! Think of new ideas. Next they will remake the Golden Girls starring Lindsay Lohan and Maschia Barton
How about Alexis Bledel? Matt Czuchry could absolutely play the politician. And I’d love to see Keiko Agena in anything again. Or Haley Joel Osmet. He really is a recent grad isn’t he? Tom Felton will be free of the Harry Potter movies soon. Not that he has a whole lot to do in the last two. How about Dev Patel, though at 19 he might be a little too young.
How about Mac (Tina Majorino) as the Mare Winningham character? And of course Jason Dohring for whatever role he wants.
or what about ugly betty for the shy virgin
My cast suggestions:
The Shy virgin: Olyssa Rulin (High school musicals Kelsi)
Waiter/Aspiring Lawyer- Hunter Parish (Weeds only does 13 episodes or something)
Sax Player- Matt Lanter (he was Liam on 90210)
Ruthless Politican- Still thinking…