In the late 1960s, precisely in 1968, Jane Fonda dazzled audiences with her role in the hit movie “Barbarella,” based on a French comic book of the same name. Directed by her then-husband Roger Vadim, the film skyrocketed Fonda to stardom. Fast forward to today, and Hollywood is gearing up to remake this iconic movie, but with a fresh face at the forefront: Sydney Sweeney, best known for her role in “Euphoria,” among other acclaimed series like “Sharp Objects” and “The The Handmaid’s Tale.”
The remake was announced in October, set to be a collaboration with Sony Pictures. While details about the project are scarce—such as the director and additional cast—what’s clear is that Jane Fonda isn’t exactly thrilled about the idea of her beloved movie being revamped.
In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Fonda admitted she’s been trying to avoid dwelling on the remake. She’s skeptical about its potential success compared to the original, fearing it won’t capture the essence that made her portrayal of Barbarella iconic.
Fonda also questioned how Sony Pictures plans to infuse a feminist angle into the remake, especially considering that the original producers weren’t interested in such themes. For me, it was about Fonda looking sexy while kicking butt, not about empowering women.
The original film, set in the 41st century, followed Barbarella’s quest to find scientist Durand Durand, played by Milo O’Shea, who had created a dangerous weapon known as the Positronic Ray.
Despite not being an immediate hit in the 1960s, “Barbarella” gained a cult following over time, bolstered by Fonda’s enduring popularity. Her performance in the movie catapulted her to sex symbol status, making her one of the hottest stars of the era.
Over the years, there have been attempts to revive “Barbarella,” including plans for a sequel titled “Barbarella Goes Down,” which would have reunited Fonda in the titular role and featured Rose McGowan. However, this project never materialized.
As for the upcoming remake, only time will tell if it can capture the magic of the original and resonate with audiences in today’s cinematic landscape.