A rebooted version of the 1983 hit film Flashdance is set to arrive as a TV series on streaming service Paramount+. Though mostly unknown to younger generations, the film failed to achieve critical success upon its release but was largely appreciated by audiences.
The film’s plot follows Alex (Jennifer Beals), a hard-working Pittsburgh dancer with big dreams to find success as a ballerina. Unfortunately for her, the closest she comes to this goal is during her employment at Mawby’s – a dingy pub where she spends her nights as an exotic dancer. Alex’s lack of confidence becomes a significant barrier to her efforts toward achieving her goals, ultimately preventing her from going through with an audition for a spot at the Pittsburgh Conservatory of Dance and Repertory. The film carried a variety of themes that remain relevant today, particularly in its portrayal of a young woman’s sense of self-worth in the face of daunting odds and male gatekeepers. The film has yet to be remade, despite the ease with which its material can be transferred to suit contemporary issues, but the degree to which a new story can be formed from the original makes it perfect for TV.
As it happens, a TV series is exactly what is on its way from Paramount+. According to The Wrap, the series is in the early stages of development, with a script from Runaways writer Tracy McMillan. The new take on Flashdance will reportedly focus on “…a young Black woman with ballet dreams and a strip club reality who struggles to find her place in the world while navigating romance, money, art, friendship and how to love herself.” Exactly when the series is set to arrive is currently unknown, and to date, no casting decisions have officially been made.
The series comes as CBS All Access continues its transformation into Paramount+. Last month, CBS announced the change, which will officially take over next year. The new name change is arguably part of an image transformation for the streamer, the likes of which Flashdance seems to sit quite nicely in. As previously mentioned, the series is set to arrive when demand for diversity is potentially at an all-time high. A TV series focused on a young Black woman trying to make her way in a highly competitive industry speaks to a wide range of people, and the varied directions this type of story can go in seems unlimited.
But of course, just how successful Flashdance is depends on the program’s overall quality. Though much can be done with the concept, the series could venture into bland soap opera-ish territory without robust scripts and a great overall direction. CBS currently has all the means at its disposal to create something that becomes a certifiable hit, so hopefully, the right steps are taken to ensure this remains the case.
Source: The Wrap