New ‘Charlie’s Angels’ Effort Sees Drew Barrymore’s Company Return

HOLLYWOOD (Azat TV) – Sony Pictures has reportedly initiated development on another film adaptation of the iconic ‘Charlie’s Angels’ franchise, with acclaimed screenwriter Pete Chiarelli attached to pen the script. This new endeavor is drawing significant attention as Drew Barrymore and her production company, Flower Films, are reportedly set to co-produce the project, marking Barrymore’s anticipated return to the beloved series not as a star, but as a pivotal creative force behind the scenes.

Drew Barrymore’s Creative Return to the Angels Franchise

Drew Barrymore, who famously starred in and co-produced the highly successful ‘Charlie’s Angels’ film duology of the early 2000s, is now poised to influence the franchise’s future from a new vantage point. Her company, Flower Films, is reportedly involved in the early stages of this new film, a development that underscores Barrymore’s evolving role in Hollywood from a leading actress to a powerful producer. The original films, which also starred Cameron Diaz and Lucy Liu, were box office hits, collectively grossing the modern equivalent of nearly $500 million worldwide, cementing a ‘golden age’ for the franchise on the big screen.

The reported involvement of Flower Films suggests a strategic move to infuse the new adaptation with the energy and charm that defined Barrymore’s earlier success with the brand. While details on the cast and a specific release date remain under wraps, the studio’s decision to bring in a seasoned production entity like Flower Films, with its historical ties to the franchise, signals an intent to carefully shepherd this latest iteration.

A New Vision for Charlie’s Angels with Pete Chiarelli

Sony Pictures has tapped Pete Chiarelli, known for his work on hit comedies such as ‘The Proposal’ and the globally successful ‘Crazy Rich Asians,’ to write the screenplay for the upcoming ‘Charlie’s Angels’ film. Chiarelli’s background in crafting vivid characters and dynamic, humorous plots suggests the studio aims to strike a balance that resonates with contemporary audiences. This choice of screenwriter indicates a deliberate effort to address past missteps and breathe fresh life into the 1970s television hit, moving away from concepts that may not have fully captured the essence of the original appeal.

Studio management is reportedly hoping Chiarelli’s experience with major studio projects will help restore the franchise’s signature energy and charm. Sources suggest a move away from the ‘global security service’ concept that characterized some previous attempts, aiming instead for a narrative that aligns more closely with the original ‘Angels’ television legends.

The Franchise’s Evolving Legacy

The ‘Charlie’s Angels’ franchise boasts a storied history, originating as an ABC series from 1976 to 1981, which launched Farrah Fawcett, Kate Jackson, and Jaclyn Smith to international stardom. Following its initial television run, the franchise saw a successful big-screen revival in the early 2000s with Barrymore, Diaz, and Liu. However, subsequent attempts to rekindle interest proved challenging.

A 2011 television series was canceled after only seven episodes, and a 2019 film directed by Elizabeth Banks, starring Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, and Ella Balinska, struggled at the box office. That film, which grossed just over $73 million globally on a reported budget of around $50 million, received mixed reviews. Director Elizabeth Banks defended the film, attributing its poor reception in part to a disconnect in marketing and broader industry biases. This latest reboot, with Barrymore’s production company reportedly onboard, signals a renewed effort to learn from these past attempts and redefine the ‘Charlie’s Angels’ legacy for a new generation.

The reported involvement of Drew Barrymore’s Flower Films in the new ‘Charlie’s Angels’ adaptation marks a significant strategic pivot for both the franchise and Barrymore herself, highlighting a trend where established Hollywood talent increasingly leverage their behind-the-scenes influence to revitalize beloved properties.