‘G.I. Joe: Retaliation’ director Jon M. Chu has announced that he is taking on another 80s toy property, ‘Jem’ a.k.a. ‘Jem & The Holograms’, the classic 80s cartoon/rock fashion doll line. In addition to directing ‘G.I. Joe: Retaliation‘, Chu has also been linked to a ‘He-Man and the Masters of the Universe‘ movie, so he seems to be carving out quite a niche for himself helming movies based on 80s cartoon properties. In general, ‘G.I. Joe: Retaliation was better received than the previous Joe movie, ‘The Rise of Cobra’, so that bodes semi-well. Could this bode well for ‘Jem’ too?
The original ‘Jem’ cartoon focused on Jerrica Benton, a record executive that was able to transform into a pink haired pop diva thanks to a holographic computer invented by her scientist father. Her sister and foster sisters formed her backup band The Holograms in an effort to win back control of their parents’ record label Starlight Records from the duplicitous Eric Raymond who planned to use the company to promote his group of bad girls, The Misfits.
Producing the movie is Jason Blum and Scooter Braun (that would be Justin Beiber’s manager). John M. Chu previously directed two Justin Bieber documentaries and two ‘Step Up’ dance movies, so this may be a perfect fit. Chu, along with Blum and Braun made a video to announce their intention to make this movie. You can view it below:
As you can see, the producers are looking for fresh potential– new singers, actors and dancers. Do you think you have what it takes?
The script was written by Ryan Landels and the main character is being reimaged for a modern age as an internet (think YouTube) sensation. In the film, Jen is a teenaged orphan who becomes famous and uses that fame to conduct a “music-driven scavenger hunt” that will help her find a message left by her father. Production is slated to begin within the next few months.
What do you think? Are you pumped for a Jem live action movie?
Source: THR
