A fresh trio of crime-fighters may soon be answering the call. According to variety.com, Sony Pictures is in early development on a new feature film for the Charlie’s Angels franchise, reviving the iconic female-led property for a new generation.
Screenwriter Pete Chiarelli has been tapped to pen the script. Chiarelli is well-regarded for his work on Crazy Rich Asians and the Sandra Bullock hit The Proposal. His latest project, the animated feature Goat, recently debuted in cinemas.
The franchise first captured the public imagination in 1976 with the original TV series starring Kate Jackson, Farrah Fawcett and Jaclyn Smith. The show became a pop culture phenomenon, running for 115 episodes.
The brand reached new heights at the turn of the century when Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz and Lucy Liu took over the roles. The 2000 film, directed by McG, was a global blockbuster, earning $264 million and spawning a successful sequel, Full Throttle. Reports suggest Barrymore’s Flower Films may return to produce this latest iteration.
Recent attempts to reboot the “Angels” have struggled to find a footing like 2011 TV reboot, which was cancelled after just eight episodes on ABC and the 2019 feature film directed by Elizabeth Banks and starring Kristen Stewart, the film failed to ignite the box office, grossing $73 million worldwide.
With the 50th anniversary of the original series approaching, Sony appears ready to bet on the enduring appeal of the Townsend Detective Agency. While casting and plot details remain under wraps, the studio is looking to recapture the playful energy that made the franchise a household name.
Sony has yet to offer an official comment on the project.
•Featured image by Mark Marmor/Everett Collection
