TheCruel Intentionstrailer reveals Sarah Michelle Gellar and Reese Witherspoon’s replacements in the remake series. The upcoming series is inspired by the 1999 film of the same title, which was a modern adaptation of the 1782 novelDangerous Liaisonsby Pierre Choderlos de Laclos and starred Sarah Michelle Gellar and Reese Witherspoon as two ruthless step-siblings at an exclusive Manhattan prep school who make a bet to seduce the new headmaster’s daughter before the term begins. TheCruel Intentionsseriesis set to stream on Prime Video later this year.
Now,Prime Videohas premiered thefirst official trailer for theCruel Intentionsseries. Watch it below:
The trailer teases a similar story involving two step-siblings attending a Washington D.C. college who have successfully climbed the social ladder on campus. After a hazing incident gone wrong, the two do whatever it takes to maintain their hard-earned social status and set their sights on seducing the Vice President’s daughter.
What The Cruel Intentions Trailer Means For The Prime Video Series
It Features A New Cast & Characters, But Plenty Of Callbacks
The trailer reveals the newCruel Intentionscastand characters for Prime Video’s series, including Sarah Michelle Gellar and Reese Witherspoon’s replacements.The step-siblings Caroline (Sarah Catherine Hook) and Lucien (Zac Burgess) act as stand-insfor Kathryn (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and Sebastian (Ryan Phillippe), while the Vice President’s daughter, Annie (Savannah Lee Smith), replaces Annette (Reese Witherspoon). The series also stars Sara Silva, John Harlan Kim, Khobe Clarke, Brooke Lena Johnson, and Sean Patrick Thomas as Professor Chadwick, the last of whom played Ronald in the original movie.
Cruel Intentions: 10 Most Shocking Scenes, Ranked
Cruel Intentions is a more mature take on the 90s teen drama. The film shocked in many ways when it arrived back in 1999.
The trailer also features some references to the 1999 film, including an upbeat rendition of The Verve’s “Bitter Sweet Symphony,” a classic black convertible, and a recognizable rosary necklace that conceals a dark secret. Staying true to the original, the series also presents a scandalous bet between the wealthy step-siblings Caroline and Lucien, reminiscent of the provocative elements that made the movie a cult classic. It’s clear that the new adaptation aims to capture the essence of its predecessor while exploring a new story in a modern context.
Our Take On The Cruel Intentions Trailer
Is It Really Necessary?
While nostalgia often provides fuel for remakes,Prime Video’sCruel Intentionsseries seems unnecessary. The original movie remains a cult classic and is still enjoyed to this day. Additionally, previous attempts to extend it into a franchise have all failed, including a 2000 prequel and a 2004 sequel. The new iteration risks further tarnishing the legacy of the original just as much as it does evoking nostalgia for an older audience or introducing it to a new one. Instead of attempting to revive the cult classic, perhaps it’s best to letCruel Intentionsstand on its own.
Cruel Intentions
Cast
Two ambitious step-siblings at a prestigious Washington, D.C. college will stop at nothing to keep their social standing. After a hazing scandal threatens their control, they resort to extreme tactics, including seducing the vice president’s daughter, to safeguard their reputation and influence.
