The 2001 John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale film built its entire premise on fate. Two strangers meet, feel something, and leave their reunion to the universe. Michael Showalter is now making something called Serendipity that apparently pushes back on that.
Amazon MGM Studios and Miramax have attached Showalter to direct a new film with the same title, according to The Wrap. Marc Klein, who wrote the original screenplay, is writing the new script. The project shares a name and little else. "Same title. New characters. New story," Showalter told The Wrap, describing it as a film with "new ideas about love and relationships."
The word Showalter chose is "rebuttal," not remake. That is a statement of intent. He is not updating the 2001 film. He is, by his own account, arguing with it. The original Serendipity asked audiences to trust that the universe works in their favor if they wait long enough. Whatever Showalter is building does not seem to share that faith.
Showalter's previous features include The Big Sick, Hello, My Name Is Doris, and The Eyes of Tammy Faye, which earned Jessica Chastain her Academy Award. He is producing alongside his partner Jordana Mollick under Semi-Formal Productions. Simon Fields, a producer on the original film, returns to produce. Jonathan Glickman, Alexandra Loewy, and Thom Zadra executive produce for Miramax. Casting is currently underway.
"I am so honored and excited to get to live inside this iconic funny, romantic and intelligent world that Marc Klein has created," Showalter said, according to The Wrap.
