As reported by THR, Paramount have hired Ben Schwartz to write a remake of their comedy Soapdish (1991), which will be produced by its original financier Alan Greisman, along with Rob Reiner.
The original film, directed by Michael Hoffman, tells a backstage story of the cast and crew of a popular fictional television soap opera. It stars Sally Field (Celeste) as an aging soap star, joined by Kevin Kline (Jeffrey), Robert Downey, Jr.(David), Cathy Moriarty as Montana, Elisabeth Shue (Lori), and Whoopi Goldberg as Rose among others.
Schwartz is both a flourishing writer and actor, having scribed for stop motion animated TV series Robot Chicken (premiered in February 2005) as well as writing Hugh Jackman's opening number for the 81st Academy Awards (for which Schwartz took a top prize at Emmys). Schwartz has also played in Barry W. Blaustein indie comedy Peep World (opening March 25) and has landed a role in the Showtime pilot “House of Lies”.
81st Academy Awards – Hugh Jackman's opening number
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Terhj8mjPwY[/youtube]
Ben Schwartz showcases his writing work and short films on his site RejectedJokes.com on which home page he gratefully wrote:
I am so thrilled to be writing this movie and am incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by an amazing group of producers and Paramount executives. A big thank you to all of the support online. So many great articles came out today from a wide range of wonderful websites. It means a great deal to me. Thank you.”
What we knew before, Alan Greisman, producer on the original movie, will return for the reboot, but this time producing together with Rob Reiner.
It will be interesting to see Schwartz's ways to improve the original story of an ambitious TV soap actress who conspires with her producer to scuttle the line of the show's long-time star, but nothing works as they arrange.
There's no word if Reiner (Flipped, The Bucket List) is planning to direct, but he could use a hit at some point.
It's still early to say about start and release dates. Hope this won't take too long.
Soapdish (1991)
