Last month, we reported that NBC is eyeing originalCruel IntentionsstarSarah Michelle Gellarto return as Kathryn Merteuil in the network’s new TV adaptation of the hit movie. Just a few weeks later, the actress confirmed that she is coming back to reprise her iconic role, by sharing a photo of herself alongside producersNeal H. Moritzand Roger Kumble, the latter of which wrote and directed the original movie. Over the weekend, the actress took to herInstagrampage again, to share photos of her new brunette hairstyle, along with a photo of thepilot scripttitle page.
The originalCruel Intentionsmovie, based on the novel of the same name by Choderlos de Laclos, centered onSarah Michelle Gellar’s Kathryn Merteuil, who seeks revenge after being dumped by her beau Court Reynolds (Charlie O’Connell) for the innocent Cecile (Selma Blair). Kathryn challenges her step-brother Sebastian Valmont (Ryan Phillippe) to seduce Cecile, while, at the same time, they have an ongoing bet about whether or not Sebastian can seduce Annette Hargrove (Reese Witherspoon), the daughter of their private school’s headmaster. Theoriginal moviealso starred Louise Fletcher,Joshua Jackson, Eric Mabius and Sean Patrick Thomas, but it isn’t known yet if any ofSarah Michelle Gellar’s co-stars will be joining her in the new series.
TheTV seriesis set 15 years after the events of the movie, centering on Kathryn Merteuil as she vies for control of Valmont International, along with the “soul” of Bash Casey, the son of Sebastian Valmont and Annette Hargrove. The series will be produced by the original movie’s writer-director Roger Kumble and producerNeal H. Moritz, along with Lindsey Rosin andJordan Ross. Both Lindsey Rosin andJordan Rosswere behind the stage productionThe Unauthorized Musical Parody Of Cruel Intentions, which debuted in Los Angeles this past May at Rockwell Table & Stag, and generated plenty of buzz. The stage play was attended by Roger Kumble,Sarah Michelle Gellar,Reese WitherspoonandSelma Blair.
TheCruel Intentionscast also includes Taylor John Smith as Bash Casey, Kate Levering as Annette Hargrove, Coby Bell as Pascal Barrett, Kathryn’s husband who is a powerful attorney and Nathalie Kelley Carmen, who works for Kathryn and Pascal. The show will focus on Bash, who, discovers his father’s private journal and discovers all of his illicit deeds, which opens him up to a world of power and corruption. Samantha Jade Logan and Sophina Brown have also been cast in the pilot.
It isn’t known when production will begin on the pilot, but we’ll be sure to keep you posted with any updates onCruel Intentions. NBC will make a final decision on whether or notCruel Intentionswill move forward to series ahead of its upfront presentation in May. Would you like to seeCruel Intentionsmove forward as an NBC series? Let us know what you think after checking outSarah Michelle Gellar’s Instagram photos below.
