John Cusack in High Fidelity (2000)
Guess John Cusack wasn’t involved in Disney’s TV remake of High Fidelity.
In case you hadn’t heard: Disney is making a TV series based on the seminal 2000 film, High Fidelity. John Cusack, the original film’s star, apparently isn’t involved in the remake. In any capacity.
The film itself is based on a 1995 British book of the same name by Nick Hornby. Cusack plays the role of record shop owner Rob Gordon in the movie. Aside from Cusack, the movie also starred Iben Hjejle, Jack Black, Todd Louiso, and Lisa Bonet.
The movie got mixed reviews and grossed more than $27 million worldwide. But it also went down as a classic, especially for music fans.
Disney recently announced that a TV show adaptation of the movie is in the works, with an unexpected twist.
The catch? It will have a female lead. Cusack was asked about what he thought about it on Twitter and he responded:
“They want to brand their thing with our thing — they’ll fuck it up.”
The following day, he responded to another fan:
“The woman part seems good / the rest not so much—but it’s Nick’s book hope at least he’s involved—if he’s not—it’ll suck.”
+ Empire Records Is Being Remade as a Broadway Musical
High Fidelity without John Cusack – is that even possible?
The High Fidelity TV series is in early development, and destined for Disney’s upcoming direct-to-consumer TV service. The project, written by Veronica West and Sarah Kucserka, has a very different take compared to the book and the movie.
But the duo still hopes to capture the romantic and comedic spirit of the original. The female lead (we’re not sure who) will be talking straight to the camera as she chronicles past relationships. In other words, a simple gender-swap on the classic title.
Another strange twist? Most of the viewers will probably be unfamiliar with the original. So, a swap for older fans will be a brand-new concept for others.