A television adaptation of the iconic cult classic Cruel Intentions has received a huge update and added Gossip Girl star Savannah Lee Smith to the cast.
Released in 1999, the original Cruel Intentions film starred Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe and Reese Witherspoon, and followed a web of sexual and psychological warfare between affluent highschoolers.
First confirmed in April 2023, the television adaptation has now officially received a series order from Amazon, according to TV Line.
The series, which will stream on Prime Video, has added Smith and Khobe Clarke (Firefly Lane) to its cast as series regulars.
Related: Cruel Intentions' lesbian kiss was cut from a TV broadcast
CSI:NY star Claire Forlani, Nikki Crawford, Isabella Tagliati and Zeke Goodman will also appear, after two actors previously attached to the project – Laura Benanti and Myra Molloy – exited.
Sean Patrick Thomas is the only actor from the original film to return. He first played a music teacher, but will now play Professor Chadwick.
The official synopsis of the series has revealed that it “takes place at an elite Washington, D.C. college, where two ruthless step-siblings will do anything to stay on top of the cutthroat social hierarchy.
“After a brutal hazing incident threatens the entire Panhellenic system at their school, they’ll do whatever is necessary to preserve their power and reputation, even if that means seducing the daughter of the vice president of the United States.”
Related: Sarah Michelle Gellar on the Cruel Intentions sex scene they couldn't make today
A statement from Laura Anderson, head of AVOD originals, unscripted, and targeted programming at Amazon MGM Studios, read: “From the ‘90s cult-classic film to the 18th-century novel from which it was adapted, Cruel Intentions has captivated audiences with a story that transcends time..."
The show will serve as an update to the film. It is unrelated to the unaired reboot that never made it to air starring the original cast.
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