Hollywood, ever keen on revisiting beloved narratives, might soon witness a truly inspired proposition. Actress and talk show host Drew Barrymore has openly shared her “dream project,” a concept that could inject fresh life, and perhaps a touch of wry humor, into a cult classic. Her vision? A remake of the darkly comedic fantasy film, “Death Becomes Her,” starring none other than herself, Jennifer Aniston, and Adam Sandler.
A Trio for the Ages (and Agelessness)
The suggestion of Barrymore, Aniston, and Sandler collaborating on such a project immediately sparks intrigue. Each a titan in their own right, they represent a significant era of Hollywood comedy and romance, consistently delighting audiences across decades. Barrymore and Sandler, of course, are a celebrated on-screen duo, having charmed millions in films like “50 First Dates” and “The Wedding Singer.” Aniston, too, has shared the screen with Sandler in “Just Go With It” and “Murder Mystery.” However, a film uniting all three, particularly in a narrative as deliciously twisted as “Death Becomes Her,” would be an unprecedented cinematic event.
Barrymore, during an episode of “The Drew Barrymore Show,” articulated her desire to see this particular ensemble tackle the iconic roles. The appeal isn`t merely their star power, but their undeniable chemistry and the potential for a unique dynamic that only long-standing friendships can bring to a performance.
Revisiting a Classic: “Death Becomes Her” (1992)
For those unfamiliar, the original “Death Becomes Her” premiered in 1992 and quickly garnered a reputation as a campy, yet insightful, satire on vanity, youth obsession, and the lengths people go to for eternal beauty. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, it starred cinematic legends Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, and Bruce Willis. The film revolves around two bitter rivals, Madeline Ashton (Streep) and Helen Sharp (Hawn), who consume a magical elixir promising eternal youth, only to discover its rather inconvenient side effects. Willis plays Ernest Menville, Helen`s former fiancé, now married to Madeline, caught in the crossfire of their macabre immortality.
The film was lauded for its groundbreaking visual effects, earning an Academy Award, and its darkly humorous take on themes that remain perpetually relevant. With an IMDb rating of 6.7/10 and a Kinopoisk score of 7.6/10, it solidified its place as a beloved, if unconventional, masterpiece.
The Irony of Immortality in the Age of Reboots
The very premise of “Death Becomes Her”—the desperate pursuit of eternal youth and beauty—holds a peculiar mirror to Hollywood itself. In an industry often fixated on the “next big thing” while simultaneously recycling successful formulas, the idea of remaking a film about immortality feels almost too fitting. Are studios, much like Madeline and Helen, seeking their own elixir of guaranteed success by revisiting cherished properties?
A modern take, particularly with this cast, could offer a nuanced commentary on contemporary beauty standards, the pressures of aging in the public eye, and the ever-present allure of shortcuts to perfection. Barrymore, Aniston, and Sandler, with their collective experience and individual comedic genius, could bring a fresh layer of irony and pathos to characters who are literally falling apart while trying to maintain their glamorous facades.
Potential and Prospects: A Unique Blend
If this dream project were to materialize, it wouldn`t just be a simple re-tread. The casting itself suggests a different tonal approach. While Streep and Hawn brought a high-camp, almost theatrical rivalry, Barrymore and Aniston could lean into a more grounded, yet equally absurd, dynamic. Sandler`s involvement, often known for his everyman charm mixed with a dose of slapstick, would undoubtedly redefine the character originally played by Bruce Willis, perhaps adding more comedic helplessness to Ernest`s unenviable predicament.
The original film was ahead of its time in its special effects and its sharp satire. A remake now could leverage advancements in CGI to push the physical comedy of eternal, yet decaying, life to new, grotesque, and hilarious heights. More importantly, it offers an opportunity to re-examine the core message: Is eternal life truly a blessing if it comes at the cost of genuine connection and the natural cycle of existence? And perhaps, in a subtle nod to their own long and illustrious careers, these actors could implicitly explore the industry`s own enduring quest for relevance.
Whether Drew Barrymore`s dream remains just that, a dream, or eventually blossoms into a full-fledged production, the mere suggestion has certainly sparked a fascinating conversation. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of “Death Becomes Her” and the collective star power of Barrymore, Aniston, and Sandler, who collectively represent a refreshing blend of talent poised to tackle a narrative as timeless as immortality itself.
