NBC is ready to add a new film adaptation to its roster: the Cruel Intentions series will take place 15 years after the fateful events from the 1999 cult-classic adaptation of Dangerous Liaisons, which starred a handful of fresh-faced actors like Reese Witherspoon, Ryan Phillippe, Selma Blair, Joshua Jackson, and Sarah Michelle Gellar. And thankfully, the series is choosing to include original characters rather than forget them entirely. So who’s the lucky gal that gets to return to this world of sex, lies, and scandal?
It’s master manipulator Kathryn Merteuil, because everyone loves her and she intends to keep it that way. Played to perfection by the wonderfully dramatic, Sarah Michelle Gellar, this devious character was the best part of the 1999 flick. Yes, Kathryn is back to reign supreme and this time, she’s on the hunt for revenge and more power against Bash Casey, the son of her step-brother, the late Sebastian Valmont (Phillippe), and the young woman who bravely took Kathryn her back, Annette Hargrove (Witherspoon).
Gellar is currently in for the series’ pilot episode, written by Lindsey Rosin, Jordan Ross, and the original writer from the 1999 film, Roger Kumble. This will be the once-and-forever Slayer‘s return to TV following her more recent turn on two short-lived TV series, 2013’s The Crazy Ones with Robin Williams and 2011’s The Ringer. Check out her confirmation of the news via her Instagram.
If all goes well we might have an entire season of Kathryn’s pouty fits and shrewd liaisons! Stay tuned for more info on the series and remember: keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.
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HT: Deadline
Image: Columbia Pictures
