Paramount+ has announced thatDear White People’sJustin Simienis set to adapt and direct their series reboot ofFlashdance, a classic musical film from 1983. The original hit film follows a younger dancer (Jennifer Beals) who works in a steel mill while dreaming of becoming a professional ballerina.
While information about the reboot ofFlashdanceis still scarce, the series will stay true to the central beast of the plot and follow a working woman pursuing her dream of becoming a professional dancer. However, theFlashdanceseries will update the original story by featuring a new kind of protagonist.As previously reported, theFlashdanceseries will focus on a young Black woman yearning to become a professional ballet dancer while paying her bills by working in a strip club. Additionally, the same report revealed the series is being written byTracy McMillan(Good Girls Revolt), withAngela Robinson(The L Word) serving as executive producer and directing the pilot episode.
Simien’s choice to helm the series sounds like a step in the right direction. Since the series promises to focus on the life of a young Black woman, Simien can bring his experience withDear White Peopleto the table. While initially a feature film,Dear White People’s critical and commercial success turned it into a Netflix series, also with Simien’s involvement. Both the film and the series deal with the everyday experience of Black people in the U.S., using humor to underline the absurds of racism and social exclusion.
RELATED:How to Watch ‘Cyrano’: Where You Can Watch the Romantic Musical Starring Peter Dinklage Right Now
After his break-out withDear White People, Simien became an in-demand director in Hollywood. The filmmaker is currentlyhelming Disney’s next park attraction adaptationHaunted Mansion, which features an all-star ensemble includingDanny DeVito,LaKeith Stanfield,Tiffany Haddish,Owen Wilson, andRosario Dawson. Simien is alsodeveloping aLandoseriesset in theStar Warsuniverse, featuring the fan-favorite scoundrel originally played byBilly Dee Williams.
The originalFlashdancewas a surprise hit that connected with the public even after mainly receiving negative reviews. WhileFlashdanceis remembered mostly as a classic film from the ’80s, the feature launched Beals' career as a megastar. The musical numbers ofFlashdanceare also frequently spoofed by other productions, with recent homages including parodies inFamily GuyandDeadpool 2.
There’s still no release window for theFlashdanceseries on Paramount+. However, as news of theFlashdancereboot emerges, you can expect to read all about it here at Collider.
