Someone needs to pinch us because we must be dreaming. Not only is a reimagining of the iconic 1980 film 9 to 5 in the works but it is set to be produced by one of the most successful actresses in the entertainment business: Jennifer Aniston. The original legendary all-girl trio paved the way for discussion of female treatment in the workplace, and having Aniston produce its reboot feels like the perfect move.
The original 9 to 5 was a hit
In 1980, Colin Higgins directed the original 9 to 5, written by Patricia Resnick, showcasing a star-studded cast including Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton. This workplace comedy depicts three women’s fantasies of seeking revenge on their sexist and self-centered boss, Mr. Hart. Parton wrote and sang the theme song for the film, which shares the same name and has become highly recognizable in itself.
Upon its release, 9 to 5 became an instant success, grossing an impressive $103.3 million at the box office. It also heralded one of Hollywood’s most celebrated comedic collaborations, Fonda and Tomlin, who would go on to work together on several other projects throughout their careers. For a long time, discussions of a reboot were being had, but the idea never came to fruition. Now, that seems to have changed.
There has been ongoing work involving the film
Thanks to the original film’s success, several projects involving the concept have been explored. Shortly after its release in 1980, a sitcom adapted from the film aired on ABC from 1982 to 1983. It featured Valerie Cutrin as Fonda’s character of Judy Bernly, Rita Moreno in the role of Violet Newstead, originally played by Tomlin, and Rachel Dennison, Parton’s little sister, in Parton’s role as Doralee Rhodes.
Decades later, in 2022, a documentary titled Still Working 9 to 5 was produced that saw all three ladies of the original cast return to discuss the impact of the film on workplace equality for women 40 years after its release. Additionally, Parton returned to write the music and lyrics for the Tony-nominated musical adaptation of the film, which premiered in 2008 and opened on Broadway in 2009.
Aniston is set to produce the reimagining
Considering the success and impact of the original film, it is no surprise that the idea of a reboot has been toyed with. Although nothing truly came from it in the past, that reality seems to have changed. Now, Jennifer Aniston and her Echo Films partner Kristin Hahn are set to produce the reimagining of the film for 20th Century Fox. Previously, Aniston has produced The Morning Show, the Murder Mystery film series, and Friends: The Reunion. Work on the 9 to 5 reimagining is currently being kept quiet, but it seems to be in its development stage, with Diablo Cody working on the film’s latest draft.
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What we really want to know is whether the original trio will be making appearances in the reimagining. Now that would be something!
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