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The cult classic movie Clueless gets a TV adaptation reboot starring Alicia Silverstone
A quintessential teen movie, the cult classic Clueless is about to be adapted for the small screen. While the original film earned actress Alicia Silverstone her first accolades in Hollywood, she’s returning to the 90s universe of the film to play the lead role in the new series. Numéro has the details.
by Anna Prudhomme,
Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash and Brittany Murphy in Amy Heckerling’s 1995 film Clueless © United International Pictures (UIP) GmbH.
Clueless, a defining film of the 90s
Flip phones, plaid miniskirts, body-hugging Alaïa dresses and patent leather mini handbags, the gilded world of the Clueless queens is making a comeback. Released in 1995, Clueless stands as the quintessential teen movie of the 1990s. Alicia Silverstone stars as Cher Horowitz, a wealthy, beautiful, and materialistic high school student.
The undisputed queen of her school, Cher is never seen without her best friend Dionne, a young woman known for her designer hats and terrible driving, especially in the red Jeep gifted by her parents. In an effort to prove her half-brother (played by a very charming Paul Rudd) wrong about her character, Cher doubles down on good deeds. Notably, she plays fairy godmother by giving Tai, the new girl at school, a complete makeover.
In addition to its box office success, grossing over $80 million, Clueless joins the ranks of classic Hollywood comedies featuring iconic transformation scenes from Pygmalion (1938) to Pretty Woman (1990) and Grease (1978). But Clueless brings a fresh, more playful tone to the trope.
Unlike many of its predecessors, Clueless doesn’t tell the story of an older man shaping a woman in a condescending light. Instead, it places its main characters on a more equal footing, focusing on their individual journeys of self-discovery.
The earlier reboot attempt that never got made
A beloved coming-of-age movie remembered for its iconic fashion, lovable characters, and comforting vibe, Clueless was first adapted into a TV series the year after the film’s release but without Alicia Silverstone. Then, in 2018, CBS TV Studios began developing a second adaptation as a mini-series.
Created by Corinne Brinkerhoff (American Gothic), the project was set in a new context with a 2020 Los Angeles backdrop. The plot? Cher disappears, paving the way for Dionne to become the school’s new reigning queen. Struggling with the pressure of being the most popular girl, Dionne also tries to uncover the mystery behind her best friend’s disappearance, soy latte in hand of course. Ultimately, the project was abandoned without any clear explanation.
Alicia Silverstone at the premiere of To Die For in 1995 in Beverly Hills © Frank Trapper/Corbis via Getty Images.
Alicia Silverstone and the writers of Gossip Girl join the project
According to Deadline, a new adaptation is now in the works at CBS production studios. Not only is Alicia Silverstone reprising her lead role from the original film, she’s also set to serve as executive producer on the project.
Also joining the team are screenwriting and producing duo Stephanie Savage and Josh Schwartz, known for series like Gossip Girl, Dynasty, and an upcoming TV adaptation of Legally Blonde. They’ll be joined by Jordan Weiss, the director behind Dollface and Freaky Friday 2. Amy Heckerling, who directed the original Clueless film, is also expected to return — this time as executive producer.
This new Clueless series joins a wave of iconic 90s films that are getting the reboot treatment. From Cape Fear (1991) to I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) and The Addams Family, the 90s are enjoying a major resurgence. The only question is whether these new versions will live up to the originals.
The TV adaptation of the film Clueless does not yet have a release date.
