57-Year-Old Cult Classic Sci-Fi Movie That's Getting A Remake With Sydney Sweeney Now Has A New Streaming Home

Actor Sydney Sweeney has shined in films and TV shows across several genres, including drama, horror, romance, and comedy. With her performances in projects like Euphoria, Immaculate, Anyone but You, and The White Lotus, Sweeney has proven herself to be one of modern Hollywood's most versatile actors. She recently dabbled more in sci-fi with her role in Madame Web, and the genre may be the next big step in her acting career.

Sci-fi continues to be one of the most popular and successful genres in the film industry, with Dune: Part Two being one of the most successful movies of 2024. Given the right sci-fi project, Sweeney could turn into an even bigger star by becoming the new face of the genre. Fortunately, Sweeney seems to have found the perfect role for her as the lead in Barbarella, a remake of the so bad it's good cult movieBarbarella from 1968 that just became available to stream on Paramount+.

How Barbarella Became A Cult Classic Sci-Fi Movie

Barbarella Flopped Upon Release, But It Had A Huge Impact On Cinema

Based on the sci-fi comic strip Barbarella, the 1968 film follows the titular space traveler as she is sent by the U.S. government to find a scientist with a weapon that could wipe out humanity. Despite performing poorly at the box office, Barbarella received considerable attention thanks to the popularity of its legendary lead actor, Jane Fonda. However, the film's cheesy and oversexualized story has been criticized over the years, especially since it was released at a time when movies like 2001: A Space Odyssey were revolutionizing sci-fi cinema.

Despite the criticisms directed towards it, Barbarella has received recognition for its more artistic merits, specifically its costumes and Claude Renoir's cinematography. Barbarella also further established Fonda as a sex symbol and helped start a trend of erotic Italian films adapting European comics, including Danger: Diabolike, Ms. Stiletto, and Baba Yaga. Additionally, according to The New York Times, the film's costumes influenced those seen in 1997's hit sci-fi film The Fifth Element.

What We Know About Sydney Sweeney's Barbarella Remake

Details Are Scarce, But Sydney Sweeney's Barbarella Already Sounds Promising

Since Sweeney's Barbarella remake is still in the early development stages, there are very few details about the film at this time. Though the Barbarella remake was announced back in 2022, no official release date has been confirmed, and no production schedule has been released either. Likewise, Sweeney remains the only cast member attached to the film, but her star power alone should keep public interest in Barbarella afloat for the time being.

Fortunately, Variety reported that Jane Goldman and Honey Ross had been in talks to write the film's script. Goldman is best known for penning the screenplays to director Matthew Vaughn's film Kick-Ass, the first two Kingsman movies, and X-Men: First Class. Meanwhile, Ross has worked as a writer for the TV show Everything I Know About Love. Likewise, the Barbarella remake will be produced by Sony Pictures. This movie will mark another collaboration between Sony and Sweeney, as the actor has worked with the studio on films like Madame Web and Anyone but You.

Sydney Sweeney Is Perfect For Barbarella, And The Movie Could Be Great For Her

The Talent Working On Barbarella Could Make Sweeney's Film Even Better

Cassie (Sydney Sweeney) in the hallway in Euphoria — Sydney Sweeney in the hallway in Euphoria

Considering Barbarella and Sweeney's status as sex symbols and the latter's exceptional acting skills, Sweeney playing the iconic sci-fi hero in a modern remake seems like flawless casting. Sweeney's movie sounds especially promising if filmmaker Edgar Wright does end up directing it. Variety has reported Wright's discussions to helm the sci-fi remake, which could result in one of modern cinema's best directors reinvigorating the Barbarella franchise.

If Wright delivers another modern classic with Barbarella, Sweeney will reach new stardom as the lead of a hit sci-fi blockbuster.

Similar to Sweeney, Wright has succeeded in making several classic films across multiple genres, particularly comedy. He also has experience writing scripts based on classic comic books, including Ant-Man and The Adventures of Tintin. Given the campiness of the source material and the 1968 film adaptation, Barbarella seems like a perfect fit for a director like Wright. If Wright delivers another modern classic with Barbarella, Sweeney will reach new levels of stardom as the lead of a hit sci-fi blockbuster.

It may be a while before Sydney Sweeney's Barbarella remake hits theaters. Fortunately, fans of the character can check out Jane Fonda's version of her in the 1968 film now on Paramount+. Though the original movie has its fair share of flaws and criticisms, it's impossible to deny Barbarella's impact on sci-fi and pop culture, in general, since its release over half a century ago. Considering all the talented people currently attached to theBarbarella remake, the franchise shows great potential to evolve in Sweeney's upcoming movie.

Source: The New York Times, Variety