GRUMPY OLD WOMEN?
Filmmakers suggest gender-swap remakes they would like to see
In 2016, “ghostbros” joined forces to make the trailer for the all-female Ghostbusters the most down-voted movie trailer in YouTube history. But they could never have stopped the onslaught of gender-swap films that have followed since.
Ocean’s 8 (a remake of Ocean’s Eleven starring Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett and Rihanna) and The Hustle (a Dirty Rotten Scoundrels remake starring Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson) are slated for release this year. A reimagining of Splash (starring Channing Tatum as a merman and Jillian Bell in the Tom Hanks role) is in the works. And Garry Marshall’s 1987 hit Overboard, starring Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, is revisited with Eugenio Derbez as the spoiled millionaire and Anna Faris as a single mom and maid who cleans his boat.
We asked filmmakers to share which gender swaps they want to see next — and why.
KAY CANNON
Remake pitch: Grumpy Old Men (1993), retitled Grumpy Old Women.
Original plot: A mutual love interest reignites the rivalry between two elderly, curmudgeonly neighbours.
New cast: Helen Mirren and Judi Dench, with George Clooney in the Ann-Margret role.
The gender-swap’s effect: “It would be great to have the ladies mad about the fact that in the ’70s they burned their bras and fought the fight for equality of women — and now find themselves having to fight all over again . ... ‘What a waste of our lives!’ ”
JUSTIN SIMIEN
Remake pitch: West Side Story (1961), with Maria as Mario or Tony as Toni.
Original plot: In a spin on Romeo and Juliet, a New York City gang member falls in love with a rival gang member’s sister. (Steven Spielberg and Tony Kushner are holding casting calls for their own remake.)
New cast: If it’s Maria and Toni: Samira Wiley and Janelle Monáe. If it’s Mario and Tony: “Oh, boy, there’s a whole list of people I’d like to see make out in movies.”
The gender-swap’s effect: “A lot of people think gay history sort of begins in the ’70s, but of course gay people have always been there, living complicated and secret, compartmentalized lives. Wouldn’t it up the tension if it’s not just a star-crossed love affair between two families, but if the love itself is totally forbidden?”
LENA WAITHE
Remake pitch: GoodFellas (1990), with all black women and retitled GoodQueens.
Original plot: The journey of small-time “wise guy” Henry Hill reveals the seedier side of the mafia in ’60s and ’70s New York City.
New cast: Angela Bassett, Viola Davis, Tracee Ellis Ross, Lupita Nyong ’o and Rashida Jones (as Tommy).
The gender-swap’s effect: It would be a depiction of black women who have power but are unfettered by social mores.
LUCIA ANIELLO
Remake pitch: The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005), retitled Brotherhood of the Traveling Pants or Boy Squad. Original plot: When four best friends (Blake Lively, Alexis Bledel, Amber Tamblyn and America Ferrera) find a pair of pants that fits all of them, they deem it magic and mail it to one another during the first summer they spend apart.
New cast: Timothée Chalamet, RJ Cyler, Lucas Hedges, Tony Revolori.
The gender-swap’s effect: “It would be lovely to see a movie about a group of teen boys who aren’t afraid of being sensitive, kind and thoughtful. The idea that boys would be as committed to their friendships would make it refreshing.”
DIABLO CODY
Remake pitch: Jackass: The Movie (2002).
Original plot: In the film based on MTV’s comedy-reality-prank show, a bunch of fearless dudes do anything for a laugh, including inflicting themselves with bodily harm.
New cast: Stuntwomen. “Or me. I’ve already had stupid tattoos and I guess I’m not that far from putting a fish hook through my lip.”
The gender-swap’s effect: “If you see a man electrocute his genitalia on purpose, people are like, ‘This is hilarious.’ If a woman did the same thing, people would be like, ‘That is a psychotic whore who is self-harming and has psychological issues.’ Women’s bodies are regarded as deadly serious and community property. I want people to realize they have double standards. The funny fat guy is a staple, whereas if a bigger woman does comedy it turns into this weirdly controversial thing where she gets, like, death threats on Twitter.”
“I’m a huge fan of Jackass: The Movie. Like, I just showed my oldest son last weekend the movie. I’m not shading that movie. I’m saying I would love to see women also have opportunities to be complete clowns. And I don’t see it happening very often.”