TheWrap is reporting that NBC has ordered a pilot for a new Cruel Intentions TV series based on the sleeper hit 1999 movie, which starred Reese Witherspoon, Sarah Michelle Geller, Ryan Phillippe and Selma Blair. Roger Kumble, who wrote and directed the original film independently as well as its direct-to-video prequel Cruel Intentions 2, will return to write, direct and produce the follow-up.
The new series will focus on Kathryn Merteuil (originally played by Sarah Michelle Gellar) as she seeks control of the family business Valmont International. She will also vie for the soul of Bash Casey, son of her late step-brother Sebastian Valmont (Ryan Phillippe) and Annette Hargrove (Reese Witherspoon). Once Bash discovers his father’s hidden journals, he is introduced to a world of sex, money, power and corruption.
Kumble co-wrote the pilot with Lindsey Rosin and Jordan Ross, who recently staged a musical version of Cruel Intentions in Los Angeles. Neal Moritz and Original Film’s Pavun Shetty executive produce through Sony Pictures Television.
This will not be the first time Kumble has attempted to adapt his film to series, as Cruel Intentions 2 started off as three hour-long episodes of a FOX show titled “Manchester Prep” that was too graphic for the network, and the footage was ultimately reworked into an R-rated feature film starring Amy Adams.
