 by Karman Kregloe |
"Fame" is gonna live foreverFame, the film that launched a thousand ill-conceived auditions for the drama club, is being remade for release in 2009. Production begins this week with Kevin Tancharoen (Search for the Next Pussycat Doll) set to direct. Variety is reporting that the new (and improved?) cast includes Charles S. Dutton, Kelsey Grammer, Megan Mullally and Bebe Neuwirth. Most importantly, the relentless dance teacher of the original Fame, Debbie Allen, will return and has been promoted to the role of principal.
No word on whether or not her cane will reprise its role as The original was written and directed by Alan Parker (Evita, and the timeless classic, Bugsy Malone) in 1980 and followed the lives of a group of teenagers honing their creative urges at the New York City High School for the Performing Arts.
The kids were tortured artists archetypes: the insecure actress, Doris; the socially-awkward composing genius, Bruno; the neurotic stand-up comic, Raul; the gay guy, Montgomery; dance prodigy and problem-child, Leroy; and Coco, the triple-threat singer/actress/dancer who will become famous at any cost. Any. Think High School Musical but with self-loathing, boom boxes and man-perms. The film also featured an equally-tormented teaching staff who tried heroically to get the kids to learn the importance of discipline instead of just focusing on the fun part of performing, like when the school turns out into the street for a spontaneous song and dance number.
In the 2009 version, the teaching staff includes Mullally as a voice instructor; Grammer as a conductor, Dutton as an acting teacher; and Tony-winner Neuwirth, who will out-perform all of her students as the dance instructor. I would like to nominate Wanda Sykes as the stand-up comedy teacher. Somebody needs take the piss out of all those drama queens! Director Tancharoen gave Collider.com a lengthy interview about his vision for the film, and in it he promised, "The thing about this is that this is not Fame starring like a Zac Efron or Miley Cyrus or those kinds of characters — people who are already famous. I want to discover young talent in the same way Fame is discovering new talent, so all unknowns and we’re going to make stars of them in the movie." (I'm a little disappointed by his comments, as I would pay at least matinee prices to see Efron and Cyrus in a "Don't Cha" dance-off — to the death!) Please tell me I was not the only overwrought drama club dork who breathlessly awaited each episode of the mid-80s television version of Fame. Remember Janet Jackson as Cleo in season four? Anybody? Bueller? Submitted by on December 1, 2008 - 3:00pm. |
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Woah !
1980?? Really??!! I didn't though I was so young (10years) when I was watching that ! I think it's because of Fame if I like (good) musicals...Aaaaah, Coco....... ;-)
Sorry, I absolutely don't remember J. Jackson. But I have to confess I cared more about the dance parts than about the stories (as I can remember).
no waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!
you cant re-make FAME!!!!! that's just wrong!! that'd be like someone wanting to re-make Flashdance!!!!! I mean, its bad enough that there's talk of Footloose getting re-made with Zac Efron doing Kevin Bacon's part, but I just dont think they can re-do FAME!!!
I have to admit though, that I much prefer the cast of the TV series, to the cast in the film! The music is far better too!!!
But seriously, they cant do this!!! :o(
As long as they don't
As long as they don't re-make Flashdance or Ferris Bueller then I'm happy!
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Bette cameo
"Baby remember my name"
Seriously?! Fame is one of my favorite movies/series of all time, but I'm not so sure I'm down with a remake. Still, I do have to give them props for scoring Bebe Neuwirth on this project-- she is AMAZING!!!
And yes, I do remember Janet Jackson being on the show, though Leroy was always kinda my favorite.
"Ayo! I'm tired of using technology...I need you right in front of me."
80s Movies Remake???? What's up?
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Fame is one of those movies you can't remake, the same goes for Ferris Bueller's Day Off (Don't They Dare Think About It Either) and any 80s movies. Come on! For Real?! I think I'll pass on seeing it though. Ok...What's this I read above about a remake of Footloose. LOL. 80s was like one of the best decades. So many cool movies like The Breakfast Club,Sixteen Candles,Fast Times At Ridgemont High(Phoebe Cates!Phoebe Cates! Phoebe Cates! ok I'm thre with my obsession call on hot 80s actress Phobe Cates-ok I sneak that one in) . A Remake any of these is like destroying classic art. Leave the orignals alone.
Macaroni and Bologna...
Tuna fish my favorite dish
Hot lunch Jam!
I'm a HUGE fan of Fame and a remake is fabulous news. Even if they screw it up it can't erase the original. Remember the tv show? It wasn't as good as the film but you still watched it.
Thank god they're not going to be casting some tween stars. I think going with unknowns is the only way to do this film right.
All I want is a great soundtrack and saucy dance numbers.
Ehhh...
drama club dorks unite!
I was right there with ya. In fact, I love Fame so much, I recently bought the first season on DVD. It still calls to me.
And yes, Janet Jackson! Awesome.
Love the Wanda Sykes casting idea! :)
Melissa Etheridge
Didn't I read somewhere that Melissa Etheridge auditioned for the role of Cleo, but they gave it to Janet Jackson instead?
Was I imagining this?
And in time, we will all be stars!
Debbie Allen
as Lydia Grant ... I had always wished I had a teacher like her. I am really looking forward to a new Fame movie.
I had only seen the TV-show, the movie only many years later on VHS. I was (am) such a big fan that I still have all the OST vinyl albums.
Fame
I was too young to remember the movie, but I have vague memories of the tv show when Janet Jackson was on it. Super, super vague. I was born in '79, so you can see what I mean.
Remakes are 99% likely to flop. However, they have a powerhouse cast for the teachers. Getting away from the current teen idols is a good call too. But remember, if this does well, they'll only want to do it again and again. I could see Footloose, Flashdance, and The Breakfast Club being redone very soon after.
FAME
I hope that the cane reprises it's role too hhaha, Debbie Allen scared me with it, I was pretty young when it came out. The original cast did an awesome job, hope the remake doesn't suck.