Amazon MGM Studios and Miramax are teaming up to produce a modern retelling of the cult-classic romantic comedy ‘Serendipity’, with Michael Showalter at the helm. The film is being written by Marc Klein, who also penned the original, and casting is currently underway.

Showalter is not only directing the new take but also producing alongside Jordana Mollick for Semi-Formal Productions. The original film, released in 2001, was produced by Simon Fields and starred John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale. It follows the story of two strangers who fall in love on Christmas Eve, despite each being engaged to other people.

The new ‘Serendipity’ will have the same title, but a new cast of characters, story, and ideas about love and relationships. Showalter expressed his excitement about the project, stating, ‘I am so honored and excited to get to live inside this iconic funny, romantic and intelligent world that Marc Klein has created. This new ‘Serendipity’ is not a remake or even a reboot, I’d say it’s more of a rebuttal. Same title. New characters. New story and new ideas about love and relationships.’

Showalter has a proven track record in the romantic comedy genre, with notable films like ‘The Idea of You’, ‘Spoiler Alert’, ‘The Lovebirds’, ‘The Big Sick’, and ‘Hello, My Name Is Doris’ under his belt. His most recent collaboration with Amazon MGM was the Christmas comedy ‘Oh. What. Fun.’, and he is set to tackle the thriller ‘Verity’, an adaptation of the novel by Colleen Hoover, which releases in theaters on October 2nd.

The new ‘Serendipity’ is being produced by Showalter and Mollick for Semi-Formal Productions, alongside Fields, who produced the original. Jonathan Glickman, Alexandra Loewy, and Thom Zadra will exec produce for Miramax, alongside Klein. Emily Crook is overseeing the project for Semi-Formal, while Arianna D’Andrea will oversee for Miramax.

The original ‘Serendipity’ was released in 2001 to major success, with a worldwide gross exceeding $77 million. No word yet on whether the new take will be for theaters or streaming.

A Fresh Take on a Classic

Showalter’s approach to the new ‘Serendipity’ is not just a remake, but a fresh take on a classic. He has expressed his affection for the romantic comedy genre, stating, ‘I have dedicated significant focus to the genre in the last decade, to strong results.’ With his proven track record and the team behind the new ‘Serendipity’, it’s clear that this film will be a unique and exciting take on the original.