It’s Time for a ‘Clueless’ Revival And Here’s Our Dream Cast
Did you know it’s been 30 years since Clueless was released? As if!
The 1995 adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma has infiltrated pop culture and changed the face of cinema. An iconic, memeable and quotable film, it’s surprising a successful remake hasn’t already happened. However, the original Cher Horowitz, Alicia Silverstone, is signed on for a reboot in development at Peacock, produced by her and Clueless‘s OG creator, Amy Heckerling.
As Cher’s inner monologue narrates the happenings of Bronson Alcott High School, we can’t help but fall in love with every character’s complexities. Although Cher first seems like a mean-spirited queen bee, Josh (Paul Rudd) inspires her to become a better person. Clueless is a classic high school flick with nerds, popular kids, and skaters, but its campy humor, bubble punk rock soundtrack, and over-the-top fashion make it unforgettable. And now with a whole new generation, it’s time for a revival. And we have some ideas for our dream reboot cast.
Cher — Milly Alcock
First gaining fame as the young Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon, Milly has more recently made waves starring in Sirens. Her Sirens character, Simone, shows her modern range of acting, able to display the battle between kind-hearted and manipulative. Similarly, Cher is a comedic relative of Simone. Seemingly ditzy but intelligent underneath the bubbly outfits, Cher’s self-reflection throughout would be a fun opportunity for Milly to shine in a more light-hearted role.
Josh — Mason Gooding
The Love, Victor young actor showed the power of a good character arc. His character begins as a bully and ends as a friend, but it’s his charm and confidence that would make him an iconic love interest as Josh. Very different from Paul Rudd, Mason would bring a different type of confidence to the role, while Paul’s portrayal was a bit more pedantic. But Mason also encompasses an intelligent way of speaking, as well as a likely unexpected chemistry, that would make Cher fall easily for him.
Dionne — Zendaya
If it’s a teen series, we need Zendaya, even if she has somewhat moved on from playing teenagers. A solid best friend and adaptable actor, Zendaya would take Dionne up a level, using her comedic wit and timing to transform the character from just popular into the funniest and most adored girl at school. But who could ever match her energy in an on-and-off relationship?
Murray — J.D.
The Do Revenge and Outer Banks young actor can easily pass as the loving and kind f–kboi, Murray. Dionne and Murray’s toxic relationship is played up for laughs, and we would love to see Zendaya and J.D. use their fire acting to set their on-screen relationship ablaze for the sake of good humor.
Tai — Sadie Sink
Many of us know Sadie Sink as Max in Stranger Things, but wouldn’t she make an iconic Tai? Of course, no one can replace Brittany Murphy, but Sadie shares her unique, yet beautiful, look, an outsider-looking-in profile, and an innocent goodness. Both lovable and adaptable, Sadie could be the best option for the nearly uncastable role.
Travis — Mace Coronel
Mace Coronel made waves as Kelso and Jackie’s stoner son, Jay Kelso, in Netflix’s That ‘90s Show. He’s charming, hyperactive, a little misguided, and always down for some fun, just like Brecken Meyer’s Travis. His fun-loving attitude makes him the perfect love interest for Tai while simultaneously embracing a class clown skater boy persona.
Christian — Michael Cimino
The star of Love, Victor, Michael has an effortless handsomeness about him that can appeal to anyone. While he’s not a gay actor, he is an LGBTQ+ ally and stars perfectly as Victor, who spends the series understanding his sexuality. But most of all, he has the friendly, charming, and cool traits displayed by Justin Walker’s 1995 Christian.
Mel Horowitz — Paul Rudd
It might seem counterintuitive to turn Clueless’s original love interest into the strict father, but we know Paul Rudd can pull it off. (To be fair, Paul Rudd can pull anything off.) A perfect nod to the original film, casting Paul as Cher’s grieving, yet argumentative father, would be both a hilarious and apt representation of Paul’s growth from young heartthrob to middle-aged Hollywood star.
Mr. Hall — Glenn Howerton
We already know that Glenn Howerton can play a cranky teacher thanks to his turn on A.P. Bio, but taking on the role of Mr. Hall would fit perfectly into his wide array of comedic characters. Glenn can turn on the charm at a moment’s notice and soften his heart to the whims of romance, but he can also be unreasonably harsh, just like Wallace Shawn’s original Mr. Hall.
Miss Geist — Molly Shannon
Any comedy fan knows that Molly Shannon can do no wrong. She encapsulates the quirkiness of Miss Geist, while bringing her own pitiful and awkward hopeless romanticism. Flashing back to her roles as Mary Katherine Gallagher in Superstar and the inappropriate arts and crafts leader in Wet Hot American Summer, we all just want Molly to find love. With the shared clumsy lovability of Twink Caplan, there would be no better Miss Geist than Molly.
