Sony has been developing a reboot of the 1996 cult classicThe Craftfor the last several years, and now it’s finally coming together, as Blumhouse has come on to produce andZoe Lister-Joneshas been tapped to write and direct the beloved film about a coven of young witches and female empowerment.
Sony will co-finance the film with Blumhouse, whoseJason Blumwill produce alongsideDouglas WickandLucy Fisherof Red Wagon Entertainment, who produced the original film. OriginalCraftdirectorAndrew Flemingwill executive produce with Red Wagon’sLucas Wiesendanger.
Remaking/rebootingThe Craftseems like a no-brainer to me, seeing as how female-driven films are hotter than ever at the box office, withCaptain Marvelbreaking all kinds of records. I’d also like to see “goth” films have a bit of a resurgence among the mainstream, and while I have no idea which direction Lister-Jones will take this movie, the “goth” scene is certainly part of its DNA. To lose that element would be to betray its roots, in my opinion.
Leigh Janiak(Honeymoon) was originally set to directThe Craft, but the project never quite came together on her watch. I wasn’t a huge fan ofHoneymoon, so I can’t say I’m sad to see her go (though I do have faith in herFear Streetfranchise), but Lister-Jones strikes me as a lateral move. She doesn’t have the genre chops that Janiak came to the project with, but her first film,Band Aid, boasts an 85% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, so she has earned a shot at a studio directing gig.
Lister-Jones previously wrote, executive produced and starred in the Fox Searchlight movieLola Versus, and she also co-wrote, produced and starred in the indie comedyBreaking Upwards. On the television side, Lister-Jones’ comedy pilotWoman Upwas recently greenlit at ABC, and she currently stars oppositeColin HanksinLife in Pieces, which is set to return for its fourth season on CBS. She’s represented by WME and Mosaic, and news of her hire was first reported byFull Circle Cinema.
Red Wagon produced theDivergentseries as well as female-driven films likeGirl, InterruptedandWorking Girl. Wick is currently working with directorRidley Scottto develop a sequel toGladiatorat Paramount. As for Blumhouse, it’s coming off ofGlass,UpgradeandHappy Death Day 2U, and the company is already in business with Sony on theFantasy Islandmovie.
The CraftstarredRobin Tunney,Fairuza Balk,Neve Campbell,Rachel TrueandSkeet Ulrich, and its soundtrack featured bangers from Letters to Cleo, Love Spit Love and Spacehog, so go find that on Spotify or wherever you crazy kids stream music these days.
