9 to 5 remake in development
#1
Thread Starter
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9 to 5 remake in development
EXCLUSIVE: When you look at the 1980 comedy 9 to 5 and ask what has changed from the male chauvinist premise of that film, the #MeToo movement proves the answer is, absolutely nothing. What better timing for a new version of that hit, especially when original stars Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin are eager for a reprise?
2oth Century Fox is in the early stages of a new version that would focus on three young women dealing with sexism and chauvinism in the workplace, who turn to the original trio for help in navigating and getting even with the course male higher-ups. Sources said that there are early talks for creator Pat Resnick to team with a young writer — actress-scribe Rashida Jones is the one they want — to find a handle that can make the concept relevant to a young comedy audience. The film will be produced by Shawn Levy, Resnick and Jonathan Baruch of Rain Management Group.
The actresses starred with Dabney Coleman, who played a sexist, narcissistic, lying bigot boss. The three play secretaries who watch themselves passed over for promotions, and their ideas stolen in a culture of rampant sexual harassment. After the boss blackmails one of the women (played by Parton) into sleeping with him, she instead shows up with her cohorts. They kidnap the boss and keep him tied up as the uncover his embezzlement scheme and a way to cash in.
The film was a huge hit, fueled by Parton’s theme song that was one of the biggest hit records of the decade. 9 to 5 was turned into a 2009 Broadway musical.
Jones is repped by UTA, Resnick with Summit and Rain Management Group.
2oth Century Fox is in the early stages of a new version that would focus on three young women dealing with sexism and chauvinism in the workplace, who turn to the original trio for help in navigating and getting even with the course male higher-ups. Sources said that there are early talks for creator Pat Resnick to team with a young writer — actress-scribe Rashida Jones is the one they want — to find a handle that can make the concept relevant to a young comedy audience. The film will be produced by Shawn Levy, Resnick and Jonathan Baruch of Rain Management Group.
The actresses starred with Dabney Coleman, who played a sexist, narcissistic, lying bigot boss. The three play secretaries who watch themselves passed over for promotions, and their ideas stolen in a culture of rampant sexual harassment. After the boss blackmails one of the women (played by Parton) into sleeping with him, she instead shows up with her cohorts. They kidnap the boss and keep him tied up as the uncover his embezzlement scheme and a way to cash in.
The film was a huge hit, fueled by Parton’s theme song that was one of the biggest hit records of the decade. 9 to 5 was turned into a 2009 Broadway musical.
Jones is repped by UTA, Resnick with Summit and Rain Management Group.
#2
DVD Talk Godfather
re: 9 to 5 remake in development
The only thing I remember about this is the song.
#4
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From: Conducting miss-aisle drills and listening to their rock n roll
re: 9 to 5 remake in development
The article is right about watching the film today. The styles and haircuts are dated as hell, but the subject, all the petty harassments, the chauvinism, isn’t dated at all. I was shown the film in 1997 in a business school class! Perfect film to show a young adult. It’s a great script.
#6
Thread Starter
Moderator
re: 9 to 5 remake in development
From last year...
https://variety.com/2024/film/news/j...ry-1235981575/
A recent article...
https://www.lifeandstylemag.com/post...5-remake-excl/
Jennifer Aniston is ready to pour herself a cup of ambition.
Aniston and her Echo Films partner Kristin Hahn are producing a “9 to 5” reimagining for 20th Century Studios, Variety has confirmed.
The film is currently in development, with Diablo Cody (“Juno,” “Lisa Frankenstein”) working on the latest draft of the “9 to 5” reimagining. Plot details are being kept under wraps.
Aniston and her Echo Films partner Kristin Hahn are producing a “9 to 5” reimagining for 20th Century Studios, Variety has confirmed.
The film is currently in development, with Diablo Cody (“Juno,” “Lisa Frankenstein”) working on the latest draft of the “9 to 5” reimagining. Plot details are being kept under wraps.
A recent article...
Jennifer Aniston has wrapped season 4 of The Morning Show and she’s now fully focused on her 9 to 5 remake – and top priority is recruiting the hottest young female stars to join the production, with Sydney Sweeney, Zendaya and Ariana Grande “at the top” of her casting wish list.
“With another season of The Morning Show in the can, Jen is focused on getting her 9 to 5 remake in shape and it’s looking increasingly like Jen will be starring in the film in addition to producing it,” a source exclusively tells Life & Style of the remake of the 1980 film starring Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. “The script is looking good and so Jen is now turning her attention to recruiting some next-generation talent into the project, and there’s only a handful of names on her list that can add to the momentum of the project.”
Jennifer, 55, has her eyes on Zendaya, 28, Sydney, 27, and Ariana, 31, to be a part of the film because the women have “proven they can do comedy and bring their own fan bases into film projects.”
That said, the Challengers star, Wicked actress and Anyone But You starlet are currently pulled in a million different directions, so scheduling would be a “problem.”
“Sydney and Zendaya are heavily booked for the next twelve months and Jen wants to make this movie next year if she can,” the insider reveals to Life & Style. “The 9 to 5 remake isn’t technically green-lit yet [by Disney-owned Twentieth Century Studios] but getting a ‘yes’ from one of these actresses, and making them permanent members of ‘Team Aniston’ is the key step that Jen is undertaking right now.”
Jennifer shared her desire to remake 9 to 5 while filming Duplin’ with Dolly, 78, in 2018. Since then, Jennifer has steamrolled with the project so that cameras can go up after the remake is approved by studios. While searching for the perfect cast, it was only natural for the Just Go With It star to offer a returning role for the “Jolene” singer.
“Jen wanted Dolly involved in a big way in the 9 to 5 remake but everybody around the project right now, which is currently seeking its director, is preparing for the reality that the only thing the movie might get from Dolly is the right to use her famous classic theme song,” a source told Closer in August 2024. “Dolly may have said some nice things about the project in the past but Dolly is old, Dolly still works all the time, and even a small cameo or a brand new song could be asking too much.”
Three months prior, a second insider told the outlet that 9 to 5 has been a “very special movie to Jen” since she was a little girl.
“It’s a movie that changed her life. Forty years later, with Jen finally coming into her own as a high-powered producer and a serious businesswoman,” the second source told Closer at the time. “She’s finally ready to tackle this material that meant so much to her back in the day.”
“With another season of The Morning Show in the can, Jen is focused on getting her 9 to 5 remake in shape and it’s looking increasingly like Jen will be starring in the film in addition to producing it,” a source exclusively tells Life & Style of the remake of the 1980 film starring Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. “The script is looking good and so Jen is now turning her attention to recruiting some next-generation talent into the project, and there’s only a handful of names on her list that can add to the momentum of the project.”
Jennifer, 55, has her eyes on Zendaya, 28, Sydney, 27, and Ariana, 31, to be a part of the film because the women have “proven they can do comedy and bring their own fan bases into film projects.”
That said, the Challengers star, Wicked actress and Anyone But You starlet are currently pulled in a million different directions, so scheduling would be a “problem.”
“Sydney and Zendaya are heavily booked for the next twelve months and Jen wants to make this movie next year if she can,” the insider reveals to Life & Style. “The 9 to 5 remake isn’t technically green-lit yet [by Disney-owned Twentieth Century Studios] but getting a ‘yes’ from one of these actresses, and making them permanent members of ‘Team Aniston’ is the key step that Jen is undertaking right now.”
Jennifer shared her desire to remake 9 to 5 while filming Duplin’ with Dolly, 78, in 2018. Since then, Jennifer has steamrolled with the project so that cameras can go up after the remake is approved by studios. While searching for the perfect cast, it was only natural for the Just Go With It star to offer a returning role for the “Jolene” singer.
“Jen wanted Dolly involved in a big way in the 9 to 5 remake but everybody around the project right now, which is currently seeking its director, is preparing for the reality that the only thing the movie might get from Dolly is the right to use her famous classic theme song,” a source told Closer in August 2024. “Dolly may have said some nice things about the project in the past but Dolly is old, Dolly still works all the time, and even a small cameo or a brand new song could be asking too much.”
Three months prior, a second insider told the outlet that 9 to 5 has been a “very special movie to Jen” since she was a little girl.
“It’s a movie that changed her life. Forty years later, with Jen finally coming into her own as a high-powered producer and a serious businesswoman,” the second source told Closer at the time. “She’s finally ready to tackle this material that meant so much to her back in the day.”
#7
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Re: 9 to 5 remake in development
I watched 9 to 5 so many times as a kid. I'm not sure if a remake could do it justice, but maybe it could at least lead to the original getting released again on Blu-ray - or even a UHD. That was one of the few Twilight Time releases I regret not purchasing.
#9
DVD Talk Godfather & 2020 TOTY Winner
Re: 9 to 5 remake in development
So I assume Jennifer Aniston is in the Dabney Coleman role? Or would they still put in a sexist boss? Because on one hand that's a dated story, but on the other, how many times can Jen play a Horrible Boss?
#10
DVD Talk Hero
Re: 9 to 5 remake in development
I wonder how well a 9 to 5 remake would even play with today’s workforce policies. In the early 80s, I think a lot of things were allowed in the workforce that wouldn’t fly today, particularly in the corporate world.
I suppose if they make it in a post COVID world, it might be able to work. The sensibilities from the original will have to be updated though.
I suppose if they make it in a post COVID world, it might be able to work. The sensibilities from the original will have to be updated though.
#11
DVD Talk Legend
Re: 9 to 5 remake in development
My casting would be:
JK Simmons, Patti Harrison, Amber Ruffin, and Aubrey Plaza
JK Simmons, Patti Harrison, Amber Ruffin, and Aubrey Plaza
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Abob Teff (01-21-25)
#12
DVD Talk Godfather & 2020 TOTY Winner
Re: 9 to 5 remake in development
Looking at Jen's wish list, that is a pretty big step down. Love Aubrey, but those other two women aren't really famous enough for a 9 to 5 remake. You'll need stars in this, like they had in the original.
#13
DVD Talk Legend
Re: 9 to 5 remake in development
No offense to Sydney Sweeney, Zendaya or Ariana Grande (the last two of which I've really enjoyed in some performances, never really seen Sweeney outside a meh SNL) but my version would be much funnier.
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Abob Teff (01-21-25)
#14
DVD Talk Godfather & 2020 TOTY Winner
Re: 9 to 5 remake in development
Maybe. But it's giving Charlie's Angels (2019) vibes. Without a cast full of big, 'name' stars, nobody will bother to go to the theater to watch the remake.
#15
DVD Talk Hero
Re: 9 to 5 remake in development
#16
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Re: 9 to 5 remake in development
Fonda and Tomlin were around 40-ish and Parton 34. That added layers. I can handle Zendaya in most things, Sweeney in some things, and Grande in almost nothing because her whole schtick just irks me. I realize they’re the “stars” of today, but at 27-31 they don’t hold a candle.
In defence of Nesbit’s casting, I’ll say Plaza (40) would be a better fit to the material (in the appropriate role) and Ruffin (44) is a gem on Late Night with Seth Meyers who could really break out in a remake like that. Actually, maybe Plaza could too, in a way. (I’ve only seen Harrison in a couple of things, so perhaps). But yeah, maybe they wouldn’t sell tickets, and these days star power often needs to outshine the material, especially when remakes are pale shadows of their predecessors, so there’s a built in safety net of sorts.
In defence of Nesbit’s casting, I’ll say Plaza (40) would be a better fit to the material (in the appropriate role) and Ruffin (44) is a gem on Late Night with Seth Meyers who could really break out in a remake like that. Actually, maybe Plaza could too, in a way. (I’ve only seen Harrison in a couple of things, so perhaps). But yeah, maybe they wouldn’t sell tickets, and these days star power often needs to outshine the material, especially when remakes are pale shadows of their predecessors, so there’s a built in safety net of sorts.

Last edited by Brian T; 01-21-25 at 09:47 PM.
#17
DVD Talk Godfather & 2020 TOTY Winner
Re: 9 to 5 remake in development
Counter to that age thing : I wouldn't for a second believe smart professional women in their late 30s or early 40s would stay at a job where they felt abused and mistreated. It's too easy for them to leave for a better situation. You would need to be young and naive for it be believable that the three women would stay at a job they hated with an abusive boss.
#18
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Re: 9 to 5 remake in development
I actually like Nesbit's casting. I think "big names" and "young starlets" will take away from the original heart.
Granted those actresses are late-20s to early-30s, but most of them play as high school students. They don't have the gravitas for the original roles. Cate Blanchett, Kate Winslet, and maybe a younger up and comer. Sebastian Stan in the Dabney Coleman role.
Am I the only one who does not get excited by Jennifer Aniston's involvement? Admittedly, the only thing I have seen her in is Friends.
Granted those actresses are late-20s to early-30s, but most of them play as high school students. They don't have the gravitas for the original roles. Cate Blanchett, Kate Winslet, and maybe a younger up and comer. Sebastian Stan in the Dabney Coleman role.
Am I the only one who does not get excited by Jennifer Aniston's involvement? Admittedly, the only thing I have seen her in is Friends.
#19
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Re: 9 to 5 remake in development
Fair enough. It might also depend on when it’s set. The article doesn’t say. And I think casting millennials / Gen Z’s / whatevers in roles like that might not work because, for as much as younger characters could indeed be naive enough to stick around, there’s a whole cottage industry nowadays more or less coaching everyone not to stick around if it’s harmful to one’s well-being, or to at least push back in one’s favour (four-day weeks [thus no 9 to 5], counselling, more perks, bare minimum Mondays, etc).
Much of what the 80’s version (and the musical, which was set then) dealt with was very reflective of workplaces as they had been for a while. A remake set in modern times might need significant retooling, I would think, especially with younger actresses/characters and to accommodate a broader range of ‘work issues’ that exist today. Done right, it could still work, though. I’m just not sure I’d buy those particular young (and very young looking) actresses as the struggling, self-supporting middle-aged divorcee and widow that Fonda and Tomlin played (key reasons why they stayed, incidentally, and something I believe many middle-aged people still do, to be honest), and as noted, actual young workers might actually be more likely these days to jump ship than previous generations. That in itself could be a plot device. Who knows, maybe they’ll surprise me.
Much of what the 80’s version (and the musical, which was set then) dealt with was very reflective of workplaces as they had been for a while. A remake set in modern times might need significant retooling, I would think, especially with younger actresses/characters and to accommodate a broader range of ‘work issues’ that exist today. Done right, it could still work, though. I’m just not sure I’d buy those particular young (and very young looking) actresses as the struggling, self-supporting middle-aged divorcee and widow that Fonda and Tomlin played (key reasons why they stayed, incidentally, and something I believe many middle-aged people still do, to be honest), and as noted, actual young workers might actually be more likely these days to jump ship than previous generations. That in itself could be a plot device. Who knows, maybe they’ll surprise me.

Last edited by Brian T; 01-21-25 at 10:31 PM.
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GoldenJCJ (01-21-25)
#20
DVD Talk Legend
Re: 9 to 5 remake in development
Counter to that age thing : I wouldn't for a second believe smart professional women in their late 30s or early 40s would stay at a job where they felt abused and mistreated. It's too easy for them to leave for a better situation. You would need to be young and naive for it be believable that the three women would stay at a job they hated with an abusive boss.
#21
DVD Talk Hero
Re: 9 to 5 remake in development
self-supporting middle-aged divorcee and widow that Fonda and Tomlin played
In my company--which has 30,000 people so it's a good sample size--the best executive assistants are in their 40s, 50s and 60s, so let's not assume the roles here are all for the Sweeneys of the world.
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Brian T (01-22-25)
#22
DVD Talk Godfather & 2020 TOTY Winner
Re: 9 to 5 remake in development
I was thinking how weird this Aniston story was -- I can't recall ever hearing from a producer who their "dream cast" would be. You hear about casting, near-casted parts and recasting, but I've never heard of wish list casting before -- not from the producer or studio at least. That's fans usually. If they end up without any of them, it's going to look like Aniston had to "settle" for other actors instead of the ones she really wanted.
#23
DVD Talk Hero
Re: 9 to 5 remake in development
I was thinking how weird this Aniston story was -- I can't recall ever hearing from a producer who their "dream cast" would be. You hear about casting, near-casted parts and recasting, but I've never heard of wish list casting before -- not from the producer or studio at least. That's fans usually. If they end up without any of them, it's going to look like Aniston had to "settle" for other actors instead of the ones she really wanted.
#24
DVD Talk Godfather
Re: 9 to 5 remake in development
I wonder how well a 9 to 5 remake would even play with today’s workforce policies. In the early 80s, I think a lot of things were allowed in the workforce that wouldn’t fly today, particularly in the corporate world.
I suppose if they make it in a post COVID world, it might be able to work. The sensibilities from the original will have to be updated though.
I suppose if they make it in a post COVID world, it might be able to work. The sensibilities from the original will have to be updated though.
#25
Re: 9 to 5 remake in development
I rather see a remake of 8 to 4 with Aniston's dream cast.
This sounds terrible for all the reasons listed.
This sounds terrible for all the reasons listed.



