Jenna Ortega-Taylor Russell ‘Single White Female’ Remake Lands ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’ Writer Sarah DeLappe
#Jenna Ortega #Taylor Russell #Single White Female #Sarah DeLappe #Bodies Bodies Bodies #remake #screenplay #psychological thriller
📌 Key Takeaways
- A remake of 'Single White Female' is in development with Jenna Ortega and Taylor Russell starring.
- Sarah DeLappe, writer of 'Bodies Bodies Bodies,' has been hired to pen the screenplay.
- The project updates the 1992 psychological thriller about a dangerous roommate dynamic.
- The casting of rising stars Ortega and Russell signals a modern, high-profile take on the classic film.
📖 Full Retelling
🏷️ Themes
Film Remake, Psychological Thriller
📚 Related People & Topics
Jenna Ortega
American actress (born 2002)
Jenna Marie Ortega (born September 27, 2002) is an American actress. Known for her work in horror, Ortega has been dubbed "Gen Z's scream queen" by media publications. She has also been featured on the Power 100 list from The Hollywood Reporter in 2023 and the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2024.
Taylor Russell
Canadian actress (born 1994)
Taylor Russell McKenzie (born July 18, 1994) is a Canadian actress and filmmaker. After playing a number of minor roles, Russell received recognition for starring in the Netflix science fiction series Lost in Space (2018–2021). She rose to prominence with her roles in the drama film Waves (2019), an...
Single White Female
1992 film directed by Barbet Schroeder
Single White Female is a 1992 American psychological erotic thriller film produced and directed by Barbet Schroeder from a screenplay by Don Roos. It is based on the 1990 novel SWF Seeks Same by John Lutz. The film stars Bridget Fonda and Jennifer Jason Leigh.
Sarah DeLappe
American playwright
Sarah DeLappe is an American playwright. Her play The Wolves premiered Off-Broadway in 2016 to acclaim. It received the American Playwriting Foundation's Relentless Award in 2015 and was a finalist for the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
Bodies Bodies Bodies
2022 film by Halina Reijn
Bodies Bodies Bodies is a 2022 American black comedy horror film directed by Halina Reijn and written by Sarah DeLappe from a story by Kristen Roupenian. It features an ensemble cast which includes Amandla Stenberg, Maria Bakalova, Myha'la, Chase Sui Wonders, Rachel Sennott, Lee Pace, and Pete David...
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Deep Analysis
Why It Matters
This news matters because it signals a major studio investment in reviving a classic psychological thriller with two of Hollywood's most sought-after young actresses. The project affects film industry professionals, fans of the original film, and audiences interested in seeing Ortega and Russell in darker, more complex roles. It also highlights the continued trend of remaking 90s properties with contemporary sensibilities, which influences what types of films get greenlit and what stories reach modern viewers.
Context & Background
- The original 'Single White Female' (1992) starred Bridget Fonda and Jennifer Jason Leigh as roommates in a psychological thriller about obsession and identity
- Jenna Ortega has risen to prominence through roles in 'Wednesday' and horror films like 'Scream' and 'X', establishing herself as a scream queen with mainstream appeal
- Taylor Russell gained critical acclaim for her performance in 'Bones and All' and has been building a reputation for thoughtful, intense dramatic roles
- Sarah DeLappe wrote the acclaimed A24 horror-comedy 'Bodies Bodies Bodies' which successfully blended Gen Z social dynamics with thriller elements
- The 1990s thriller revival trend has seen recent successes like 'The Invisible Man' remake and upcoming projects reimagining films from that era
What Happens Next
DeLappe will begin writing the screenplay adaptation, with Ortega and Russell's schedules needing coordination for production. Casting announcements for supporting roles will likely follow in the next 6-12 months. The project will enter pre-production once the script is finalized, with filming potentially beginning in late 2024 or early 2025. Studio marketing will emphasize the pairing of Ortega and Russell as a major draw for both horror fans and general audiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
The 1992 thriller follows a young woman who takes in a roommate after a breakup, only to discover the new roommate is dangerously obsessed with her and begins imitating her life. The film explores themes of identity, obsession, and urban paranoia through intense psychological drama and suspenseful sequences.
Ortega brings massive Gen Z appeal and proven horror credentials from 'Wednesday' and the 'Scream' franchise. Russell offers serious dramatic chops from acclaimed films like 'Bones and All,' creating an intriguing contrast that could elevate the psychological depth of the remake beyond typical thriller conventions.
DeLappe's work on 'Bodies Bodies Bodies' demonstrated skill at blending sharp social commentary with genre elements, suggesting this remake may update the original's themes for contemporary audiences. Her involvement indicates the film will likely balance psychological tension with observations about modern relationships and identity.
The remake will likely update the technology and social dynamics to reflect contemporary life, potentially exploring digital identity and social media obsession. With two young stars of color in lead roles, the film may also address different cultural dimensions of identity and appropriation than the original explored.
No director has been announced at this stage. The production will likely seek a director with experience in psychological thrillers or horror who can work effectively with the two lead actresses and translate DeLappe's screenplay into compelling visual storytelling.