If you’re a child of the ‘90s, perhaps you hold some nostalgia for the late Friday nights you may have spent watching T.G.I.F. on ABC, a touchstone for teen-friendly programming that catered to its audiences with titles like “Full House,” “Boy Meets World,” “Family Matters,” and so many more. In a roster of shows that mixed comedy ocasionally with real life "issues," “Sabrina The Teenage Witch” always seemed a touch out of place. Based on the popular Archie Comics of the same name from the ‘60s, the show lasted seven seasons off the charm of Melissa Joan Hart and the comedic presence of Caroline Rhea and Beth Broderick, yet stood out as a series steeped in fantasy and lore that was typically absent from the “T.G.I.F.” lineup.
Well if you have any nostalgia for the series, Sony Pictures is now hoping to turn that into a trip to the theater as they’ve just waved their wands to help conjure a new and “edgier” “Sabrina the Teenage Witch.” “Die in a Gunfight” screenwriters Andrew Barrer and Gabriel Ferrari are behind this one, with “Real Steel” producers Don Murphy and Susan Montford on board as well. Apparently the pair pitched the idea at a recent meeting with Sony Pictures, along with “Mean Girls” director Mark Waters, who reportedly might even helm the thing depending on what his schedule looks like. Jon Goldwater of Archie Comics will be serving as executive producer along with “Bridge to Terabithia” screenwriter Jeff Stockwell as co-producer.
“Sabrina the Teenage Witch” (or “Superhero”) will follow the animated and live-action incarnations of the story, where Sabrina is a blossoming young witch who’s coming to terms with her power amid a normal teenage life in high school. The wise-cracking talking black cat Salem isn’t going anywhere (THANK, GOD!), but his back story has now been changed to a prince who was transformed into the cat, and he creates unique love stories for Sabrina. We’ll have to see if these changes draw the sort of vitriol that the recent “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”-gate has, but we’re guessing not.
Apparently this is a priority for the studio, so if you’re clamoring for a “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” feature film, get ready. [Deadline]
"âSabrina The Teenage Witchâ always seemed a touch out of place. " You are right; it is virtually the only 90's show you mentioned that people still like.
As disturbing as it is, fans have been shipping Salem and Sabrina since before Twilight exposed shipping to the world, so it is honestly nothing new. Seriously, would you expect someone to root for someone hamed Harvey – Harvey? What the hell kind of name is Harvey?
Also, Salem has NEVER had a consistent background. Originally, he was just a cat. Then, he was a magic cat. The movie made him a warlock who was turned into a cat as punishment for casting love spells, and the TV show changed his crime to be attempted world domination. Honestly, I would be upset if they did not make anything new and treat the TV show like it was the only continuity.
Super hero powers? Doesn't that negate the need for witchcraft, completely changing everything? Next thing you know they'll revise her look to include tights and a cape! Changing Salem's back story into a prince isn't a good idea, either! He was her familiar–going along with witchcraft folklore. Making him formerly human ruins that aspect of the character.
If Hollywood is so intent on changing stories and characters, why can't they create all new stories and characters? Write something ORIGINAL instead of ruining things with "revisioned" remakes!