Well it looks like we’ll once again hear Rosemary ask “What have you done to his eyes?” as NBC has ordered a four-hour miniseries of ‘Rosemary’s Baby’ from Lionsgate TV! While we knew they were discussing it back in July, this is the first official word we’ve heard on it since then. No word if ‘Tommyknockers’ has also been fully greenlit from the same previous announcement.
The 1967 classic horror novel by Ira Levin was released and is one of the classic horror films of 1968. The film that has held its quality over the years even with the outdated material is one ripe for remaking. Production of the series will begin in January and will occur in Paris. Directing the film is Agnieszka Holland (‘The Killing’, ‘The Wire’) based on a script by Scott Abbott (‘Queen of the Damned’, ‘Introducing Dorothy Dandridge’) and James Wong (‘American Horror Story’, ‘Final Destination’). While my initial concern on the miniseries still stands (due to Abbott helping pen the feature) I feel greatly relieved with Wong now attached with how much I’ve enjoyed his work over the years.
Here’s a synopsis in case you’re not familiar with the story:
Rosemary Woodhouse and her struggling actor–husband, Guy, move into the Bramford, an old New York City apartment building with an ominous reputation and only elderly residents. Neighbours Roman and Minnie Castavet soon come nosing around to welcome them; despite Rosemary’s reservations about their eccentricity and the weird noises that she keeps hearing, her husband starts spending time with them. Shortly after Guy lands a plum Broadway role, Rosemary becomes pregnant, and the Castavets start taking a special interest in her welfare; as the sickened Rosemary becomes increasingly isolated, she begins to suspect that the Castavets’ circle is not what it seems.
According to Quinn Taylor, NBC’s executive Vice President, “Ira Levin’s mesmerizing book was a groundbreaking reflection on how effective and influential a psychological thriller could be. We’re looking forward to adapting his incredible work and bringing those indelible characters to a new generation of viewers.”
I’m really torn on this. I hate remakes with a passion. I feel Hollywood has been overdoing them to death as of late. However, with a film released in 1968 where much of it really feels dated, unless you aren’t a horror aficionado, I can see an argument for this one.
What do you think, folks? Is a modern day retelling of this classic a good idea? What are your thoughts?
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
