Ali
Two films based on stage musicals are getting the big-screen treatment.
Announced earlier this week, Mark Water’s comedy classic “Mean Girls” will be remade – but not as you might suspect. Instead of being a traditional shot-for-shot redo, the new film will be based on the recent musical.
Tina Fey, who wrote the original film and the musical, is again scripting.
“I’m very excited to bring Mean Girls back to the big screen”, said the actress, producer and writer. “It’s been incredibly gratifying to see how much the movie and the musical have meant to audiences. I’ve spent sixteen years with these characters now. They are my Marvel Universe and I love them dearly.”
The “Mean Girls” musical featured a book penned by writer Fey, music by her husband Jeff Richmond and lyrics by Nell Benjamin and featured Erika Henningsen as Cady Heron.
At the same time, “Matlida” – based on Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s book – is returning to the screen. The new version, set up with Sony Pictures and Netflix, will be based on the stage musical.
The Sony/Netflix co-prod encompass a full theatrical and home video run exclusively in the U.K. and then stream on Netflix platforms around the world, according to sources with knowledge of the deal.
Musical director Matthew Warchus retains his role on the film. Dennis Kelly, who won a Tony for best book for adapting the novel, will write the screenplay.
Matilda follows the story of a young bookworm prodigy mistreated by her ignorant parents. At a school run by an abusive headmistress, she finds a kindred spirit in her teacher, Miss Honey.
