Charlie's Angels Reboot in Development
The screenwriter is already known
"Charlie's Angels" is making another comeback! Originally launched as a TV series in the 1970s, the franchise has been adapted into several films. Now it's happening again: according to industry magazine The Hollywood Reporter, Sony is planning a new film adaptation.
Screenwriter Pete Chiarelli is behind the project. He wrote the scripts for films such as "Crazy Rich Asians" and "The Proposal", starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds. His latest film "GOAT" is currently showing in theaters.
The new "Charlie's Angels" is currently still in the early stages of development. As a result, it is not yet known which actresses are being considered for the three main roles. Past adaptations featured Hollywood stars such as Cameron Diaz, Lucy Liu, and Drew Barrymore. The series was most recently revived in 2019 by Elizabeth Banks, with Kristen Stewart in the lead role, among others. It is currently unclear when we can expect the new reboot. But we will keep you up to date in any case!
The Charlie's Angels phenomenon
A mysterious voice from the loudspeaker, three quick-witted investigators – and plenty of style: "Charlie's Angels" is one of the longest-running pop culture brands to come out of 1970s television. But why has this concept remained so fascinating for almost five decades?
The beginnings: glamour and action in series format
It all began in 1976 with the TV series "Charlie's Angels". Starring Farrah Fawcett, Kate Jackson, and Jaclyn Smith, the premise was as simple as it was effective: three women work for an agency in Los Angeles, their boss Charlie Townsend remains invisible and only communicates via a loudspeaker. They are supported by the loyal Bosley.
The series was a ratings success and offered an unusual image at the time: women as strong action stars on primetime television. However, the format always walked a fine line between emancipation and objectification.
2000: Pop, irony, and zeitgeist
Almost a quarter of a century later, a movie was released. The cast was a statement of pop culture at the time: Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, and Lucy Liu embodied the new Angels. Bill Murray joined them as Bosley. "Charlie's Angels" was directed by McG.
The film focused less on detective work and more on glossy action, choreography, and tongue-in-cheek self-irony. It was a product of its time: fast-paced, staged like a video clip, accompanied by an aggressively catchy soundtrack. The characters knew they were acting in an over-the-top action fairy tale – and it was precisely this meta-game that made it so appealing.
Financially, the film was a success. It proved that "Charlie's Angels" could still work as a brand in the blockbuster era. In general, the 2000 film adaptation is likely the most popular of the franchise.
2003: Higher, faster, brighter
"Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle" took things up a notch in 2003. The action was bigger, the staging flashier, and the story even more of an afterthought. The film relied heavily on cameos, pop references, and self-parody. It received a more ambivalent critical reception than its predecessor, but once again performed solidly at the box office. It marked both the peak and the oversaturation of the concept: more style than substance – but with a calculated desire for spectacle.
2019: A new reboot
2019 saw a reinterpretation of "Charlie's Angels," directed by Elizabeth Banks, who also appeared as Bosley herself. With Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, and Ella Balinska, the film featured a new cast.
This reboot attempted to think of the franchise more as a global network. Tonally, the film remained action-oriented, but strove for a more modern, self-confident interpretation of female solidarity. However, it failed to make a big breakthrough at the box office. Financially, this version of "Charlie's Angels" could be considered a flop.
The success of Charlie's Angels
The fact that another film adaptation is now planned is less surprising than it might seem at first glance. The recipe for success is timeless: the films offer a clear, simple concept. In addition, the franchise is characterized by a mixture of glamour and action. What's more, the films and their characters are now firmly anchored in pop culture. Many fans are likely to remember the 2000 adaptation in particular. After the 2019 reboot, which was disappointing for many, it remains to be seen what the future holds for the franchise. The decisive factor will likely be which actresses form the new team.