Today in strange reboot news, Sony is planning a “edgy†revamp of Sabrina the Teenage Witch. The studio is apparently developing a live-action film iteration of the character that will recast her as a superhero. The character originated in 1960s Archie comics and has been adapted into both animated and live-action series for television. Most of us probably remember Sabrina as played by Melissa Joan Hart in the TV series that ran from 1996 to 2000. Hit the jump for more on this odd reboot of the character.
sabrina-the-teenage-witch-imagePer Deadline, the film will be an origin story for Sabrina in the vein of Spider-Man, “about a young girl coming to terms with her remarkable powers.†Andrew Barrer and Gabriel Ferrari (Die in a Gunfight) will write the script, with Real Steel’s Don Murphy and Susan Montford producing. Before you ask, yes Salem the cat will be included. The tone is said to be “edgier†with Salem now acting as a transformed prince in order to create a love story angle for Sabrina (cue swooning of cat ladies everywhere).
Mark Waters, who directed Mean Girls and Mr. Popper’s Penguins, worked on the presentation for Sony and may direct the film depending on scheduling. The comics centered on Sabrina, a half-witch, living with her two witch aunts and trying to deal with her powers and every day life. I’m assuming this “edgy†version with throw out most of the lighter material, but I really don’t see how you go that route with Sabrina the Teenage Witch.
The only thing that catches my eye here is Waters’ involvement. Mean Girls is a comedic gem, and if he could bring a strong female character to the screen in a fun way, this could maybe be a slightly interesting project. But his attachment is unofficial and we don’t even have a script yet, so I’m assuming we’re a ways off from knowing the exact tone and angle of Sabrina The Movie. In the meantime, enjoy the lovely Melissa Joan Hart and the allure of 90s sitcom below.
