Summary

• Edgar Wright in talks to direct Barbarella remake, bringing genre-blending expertise.
• Barbarella remake confirmed with Sydney Sweeney attached to star and produce.
• Remake likely to draw from the 1968 classic, potential for commentary on sexualization in media.

A remake of the 1960s cult classic Barbarella is currently in the works with Sydney Sweeney set to star, and there are already a ton of exciting updates about the new movie. Based on the French comic series by artist Jean-Claude Forest, 1968's Barbarella stars Jane Fonda as the titular space traveler who is dispatched on a dangerous mission to find the evil scientist Durand Durand who has created a weapon that could destroy all humanity. Though not as famous as contemporaries like 2001: A Space Odyssey, Barbarella helped shape the face of science fiction for decades to come.

Critics weren't fond of the film when it debuted, and it wasn't the box office bonanza that producers had hoped it would be. Nevertheless, Barbarella immediately became a cult classic and saw an explosion of popularity as subsequent generations enjoyed the campy space comedy. What the movie did so well was capture the burgeoning sexual revolution and put it through the lens of sci-fi cheese, and it has stood the test of time. Now, a remake is in the works that could finally bring a current spin to Barbarella, and modern-day megastar Sydney Sweeney is attached to star.

The Barbarella Remake Latest News

Edgar Wright Is In Talks To Direct

Wright's busy schedule may prevent him from working on the project, especially if expediency is desired.

With little news coming regarding the remake, the latest update sees award-winner Edgar Wright in talks to direct Barbarella. Though nothing is confirmed yet, the latest reports suggest the Scott Pilgrim vs The World director is on the shortlist to helm the Sydney Sweeney remake project. Considering Wright's deft blend of genres in films like Shaun of the Dead and Baby Driver, he seems like the perfect choice for the campy sci-fi movie. Nevertheless, Wright's busy schedule may prevent him from working on the project, especially if expediency is desired.

The Barbarella Remake Is Confirmed

The Latest Remake Attempt Was Announced In 2022

Like many cult classics, attempts to revive, remake, and reboot Barbarella has been happening for decades, and the latest is only one in a long line of stabs at the 1968 film. However, a Barbarella remake with Sydney Sweeney was formally announced in 2022, and it had more gravity than many previous efforts. Though little has happened since, the involvement of Sweeney in the title role has been enough to keep interest high even when updates have slowed to a trickle.

Barbarella is available to buy or rent on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Google Play, and YouTube.

The Barbarella Remake Cast

Sydney Sweeney Is Attached To Star & Produce

Jane Fonda's turn as Barbarella in the original cult classic was one of the defining roles of her career, and the remake would need to match that level of young star power if it expects to succeed. With that in mind, the only name currently attached to the remake is Sydney Sweeney, and she is slated to lead as the eponymous intergalactic hero. Along with her position as executive producer, Sweeney's gravity as a major star could possibly pull in other popular actors, and the remake of Barbarella could be a star-studded ensemble after all.

The Barbarella Remake Story Details

Which Aspects Will The Remake Adapt?

Though the character of Barbarella is a well-known comic book figure, the remake will likely draw most of its inspiration from the 1968 cult classic. With that in mind, it isn't hard to speculate about what the story will be about, and it shouldn't stray too far from the somewhat open-ended premise of the original. In the film, Barbarella is sent by the United Earth government to locate the rogue scientist Durand Durand who has invented a weapon that threatens all of humanity.

Despite a somewhat simplistic set-up, the plot of Barbarella was merely a framing device for a series of wacky adventures that made up the bulk of the movie. The remake could use the overt sexualization of its main character as a way to make commentary about sexualization in media in general, and could offer a clever mirror of the 1968 film. However, until more story details are revealed, the exact plot of the Barbarella remake remains a mystery.