Image Credit: Everett CollectionAs we learned from, say, Transformers and Scooby-Doo, everything we thought was cool when we were kids will inevitably find a way back into contemporary pop culture. (Well, maybe the time has officially passed for a pogs resurgence.) The latest popular character from the past headed back into our lives? Variety reports that groovy 1950s and ’60s surfing icon Gidget is coming back to film and television, courtesy of Pterodactyl Prods., and 300 producer Mark Canton. I suppose that means we’ll see plenty of slow-motion shots of the gal on a surfboard, but also a sporty role model for the young TV-viewing public. Says Canton of their plans to revive the character: “Gidget has always been such a strong symbol of girl power…. With female surfing exploding across the globe, the time is right to bring her back in a major way.” (Let’s hope that Gidget chooses to wear pants, unlike Sandra Dee’s late-’50s version of the character, pictured.)
This modern Gidget will “tackle contemporary issues and will be aimed at teens, tweens, and pre-tweens,” we’re told. This leads me to believe it will mimic Frederick Kohner’s 1957 novel Gidget: The Little Girl with Big Ideas, which dabbled in serious themes like counter-culture and early feminism. (The book surrounds Gidget’s desire to participate in surfing, a sport usually reserved for boys at the time.) Yet, if the 1959 Sandra Dee movie and cheesy 1965 Sally Field TV series is any indication, it’s hard to believe an updated Gidget would be the second coming of Degrassi. The second coming of Blue Crush — now, that I can see.
You excited to hear this news, PopWatchers? Is Gidget a better role model than, say, Hannah Montana or iCarly?
God that Sandra Dee version was cheesy…it was on TV around Easter and my sisters and I somehow ended up watching it…we laughed like crazy. “I’m in love with Moondoggie!”
Sally Field TV’s Gidget. There was Gidget Goes Hawaiian on Sunday with Debra Walley as the gidge. God even Karen Valentine palyed Gidget on Gidget goes to Rome..not my favorite. Sandra Dee most famous
They should bring back Kate Bosworth for the TV series. At least she will be off of movie screens.
Karen Valentine was not in “Gidget Goes to Rome”. She starred in the TV movie “Gidget Grows Up”. Loved Gidget movies growing up and James Darren was hot.
Not even Carol Burnette could play Gidget that would save this pile of rubble from bringing in eyeballs. Come on Hollywood! New ideas, please!
The books were charming – maybe if they tried to stick to those.
“Let’s hope that Gidget chooses to wear pants, unlike Sandra Dee’s late-’50s version of the character, pictured.” Um…She’s not wearing pants because that’s a cover-up she’s wearing over her swimsuit. What a random comment to make.
Wearing pants is over rated.
I love all the Gidget movies and 2 TV series (yes there were 2! One with Sally Field and a more recent one in the 80s with Caryn Richman).
I think they could bring it back and update it, but the best thing was the fun of the character. So, sure, let her delve into serious, modern day topics (a la Degrassi), but keep the fun of it too. I’d definitely check it out!
Yep–I watched the 80s Gidget because Dean Butler, a.k.a. LHotP’s Almanzo, was Moondoggie. If it’s halfway worth watching, it’ll be nice to have another show on if it means that I don’t have to watch every episode of Hannah Montana, iCarly, True Jackson, etc. over and over.
Thank you thank you thank you! I agree with you. I was so crazy about gidget goes to rome but loved everything else. I’m trying to find the 80′s Gidget tv series. I think my daughter would love it.
Why did I immediately picture Hayden Paniettiere in the role?
Why did I immediately picture Hayden Panettiere in the role?
Great casting! She even knows how to surf! Remember when Hayden fought the Japanese dolphin poachers and the paparazzi got it on film? Youtube it, I couldn’t stand her before I saw a Japanese fisherman throwing a spear at her!
Why did it post twice? LOL
If this *has* to happen, I immediately thought of Mollee from the last season of So You Think You Can Dance. I can’t think of anyone perkier. And for movies like this acting is clearly not a requirement. May have been originally, but tween “stars” in the last couple of decades apparently need not have talent.
If done right, it could be good. I think it would have been interesting to get Sally Fields opinion on it, since she portrayed Gidget, and I think would have good insight.
I’m with you Jed – all these remakes! Hawaii 50 and Rockford Files – there’s no other Jim Rockford besides James Garner!! No imagination in Hollywood. Who said “there’s nothing new under the sun”?? They must have been watching network TV……..