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The movie centers on a young girl coming to terms with her powers and will have an edgier feel. Her wise-cracking black cat, Salem, will still be around to provide the comic relief but will take on the role of a transformed prince, providing new love scenarios for Sabrina.
"Sabrina" originated in the 60s "Archie" comics and was later adapted into an animated television series in 1969, 1971, and 1999. Melissa Joan Hart played the witch on the sitcom that ran seven seasons. "Archie" Comics’ writer Jon Goldwater will be executive producer and screenwriter Jeff Stockwell will co-produce. Despite the potential for a female centered superhero film, it remains to be seen how heroic Sony's Sabrina will turn out to be.
Thankless Heroines?
Actress Emily Blunt ("Salmon Fishing in the Yemen," "The Devil Wears Prada") did an interview with New York Magazine's Vulture in March and said she felt on-screen heroines usually got the short end of the stick. “Usually the female parts in a superhero film feel thankless,” she said. “She’s the pill girlfriend while the guys are whizzing around saving the world.”
Blunt was Marvel’s first choice to take on the role of Black Widow in "Iron Man 2" and was also asked to play Peggy Carter in "Captain America: The First Avenger." She declined both roles.
“I didn’t do the other ones because the part wasn’t very good or the timing wasn’t right, but I’m open to any kind of genre if the part is great and fun and different and a challenge in some way," she continued. "I would love to do a comic-book movie or a science-fiction film that would scare the bejesus out of me."
Despite the lackluster examples of kick-ass heroines on screen (i.e. Halle Berry's "Catwoman"), playing superheroes can prove to be career-boosting for actors. Playing Lara Croft in "Tomb Raider" earned Angelina Jolie massive media attention and pulled a nice $131 million at the box office.
Playing a heroine has potential to make or put, at the least, a dent in an actress' film career.
Chloë Grace Moretz played Hit Girl, the young, foul-mouthed, sword-toting vigilante in 2010's adventure film "Kick Ass," and nailed the part while Jennifer Garner in 2005's "Elektra" tanked with only $24 million in ticket sales.
It seems we haven't had a truly heroic heroine in some time. Will Sabrina bring home the bacon?
