Everything old is new again. No, really. Everything old is new again today. Winona Ryder says a “Beetlejuice” sequel is actually happening, the latest trailer for the “Jem and the Holograms” remake was released today (truly, truly outrageous) and “AbFab” is headed for the big screen. Yes, Edina and Patsy, your favorite British BFF's and gay icons, are once again ready to crash every fashion show, charity event and posh soiree in the greater London metropolitan area and beyond.
According to Deadline and confirmed by HitFix, Fox Searchlight is in negotiations to co-finance and distribute the long awaited “Absolutely Fabulous” movie. The movie will be based on the BBC TV Series which began way back in 1992 and ran for three initial seasons. It proved so popular that there have been numerous specials, two more seasons (2001, 2005) and a 20th Anniversary special that tied into London's 2012 Olympic Games. Now, series creator Jennifer Saunders is finally delivering the long awaited feature film version (we've actually lost track of how often we've written about this potential project).
Never heard of it? Here's a quick refresher. “AbFab” follows the long running friendship between PR maven Edina Monsoon (Saunders) and fashion director Patsy Stone (Joanna Lumley). The two characters were the poster children for anti-ageism before Madonna could even conceive of it. Edina is comically trying to stay as hip as possible while Patsy is the queen of drugged out cougars knocking up every young man she can get her hands on. Acting as their moral foil is Patsy's extremely conservative daughter Saffron (Julia Sawalha), who Patsy has detested since she was born and immediately threw a wrench into their non-stop party. The show's other major players included Patsy's assistant Bubble (an always amazing Jane Horrocks) and Paty's mother (a currently 89-year-old June Whitfield). Two series regulars we'd expect to see back are Patsy's ex-husband Marshall (Christopher Ryan) and his new American wife Bo (Mo Gaffney).
There aren't many details about the film's storyline, but it will be directed by longtime series helmer Mandie Helmer and is expected to feature a ton of celebrity cameos. Some of the names who popped by on TV included Helena Bonham Carter, Miranda Richardson, Naomi Campbell, designer Christian Lacroix, Whoopi Goldberg, Debbie Harry, Kristin Scott Thomas, Minnie Driver, Spice Girl Emma Bunton, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Nathan Lane, La Roux, Stella McCartney and Elton John.
Searchlight's involvement is a smart one. The movie will probably only have limited commercial legs in the U.S., but in Britain movies based on popular local television programs have done big business (the two “The Inbetweeners” movies being the best case scenario). Any “surprise” success in the U.S. would be a huge bonus.
Production is expected to begin on Oct. 12.
Still not sure what all the fuss is about? Check out the following videos below. The first two are music videos for original “AbFab” songs from the Pet Shop Boys and Junior Vasquez (“I Am Thin and Gorgeous”). The final embed is a collection of some of Patsy and Edina's best moments of the series.