NBC Drops 'Cruel Intentions' TV Series Sequel
Sony Television now must find a new home for their Cruel Intentions television series, a sequel to the 1999 film starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, Reese Witherspoon, and Ryan Phillippe. Gellar reprised the role of Kathryn Merteuil for the pilot, of which two versions — one raunchier, one safer — were considered by NBC. The network has decided against picking up the pilot.
Below, learn more about the Cruel Intentions television show.
Deadline reports NBC has finally made the decision not to move forward with Cruel Intentions. Over the summer, the network extended the options on the cast, as they considered whether they wanted to proceed. NBC's representatives said the reason for a delay was due to a busy, overcrowded schedule. At one point, the network considered releasing the show on NBCUniversal OTT service. With the service not ready and contract extensions running out of time, conversations between NBC and Sony couldn't lead to a new deal.
Last month, NBC Entertainment President Jennifer Salke told us they were looking into streaming options after the network couldn't find room in their busy schedule:
It was really a space issue and we had a spot for a big great soap. This Is Us seemed to fit better so we started looking for opportunities in mid-season, possibly summer for the show. We started talking about the OTT platform that's looming. So right now we wanted to make sure we have the show because I'm determined to find a place to put it. We wouldn't have held that talent if we didn't have every intention of finding the opportunity for the show. I love it. We picked up the options for the actors. We're determined to find a place for the show. It was a crowded schedule right now and we're looking at possibly a digital play or something on the network but we haven't figured it out yet. But we have all intentions, non-cruel intentions to not be cruel to the show.
The good news, at least for Cruel Intentions fans, is that there's some interest in the series from other outlets.
The director of the 1999 film, Roger Kumble, wrote the pilot with Lindsey Rosin and Jordan Ross, the two behind the Cruel Intentions musical parody performed last summer in Los Angeles. The show takes place 15 years after the events of the first movie. Kathryn Merteuil (Gellar) is in a sight to gain control of Valmont International in the series. The character is also attempting to control Bash Casey, her late brother (Ryan Phillippe) and Annette Hargrove's son. When Bash finds his father's journal, he somehow ends up entering a world populated by sex, power, and corruption.