The Wild Trailer for the New Reese Witherspoon Remake Just Dropped—and Oh Man, I Have *Thoughts*

I’ve been anxiously waiting to put my my critic ball cap on for the upcoming television series Cruel Intentions, and that’s because I want to see if it lives up to the hype. If you know me, then you know I’m skeptical about reboots, prequels and sequels—especially if it is inspired by a movie or television show I love. Guys, Cruel Intentions is one of my favorite movies of all time, and as somebody who didn’t like the sequels to the classic film at all (those went directly to VHS if you’re curious about the performance) it actually pains me to admit that I’m quite intrigued by the trailer. You see, the original 1999 film had everything—romance, lust, deception and that classic Y2K/early millennium feeling that can’t be replicated. On top of that, Reese Witherspoon and Sarah Michelle Gellar were the ultimate teen movie queens at that time. 

So how exactly do you match that energy? Well, by taking the romance, lust and deception to another level. While I obviously won’t be able to give the series my full judgment until it premieres, it appears from the wild trailer that the show may just be up to the challenge.

Starring Sarah Catherine Hook and Zac Burgess as the wealthy step-siblings Caroline Merteuil and Lucien Valmont, and Savannah Lee Smith as the U.S. Vice President’s daughter Annie, the trailer reveals lust and deception to be at the forefront once more as Caroline and Lucien conjure a plan to convince Annie to pledge her sorority.

"I need you to convince her in the way only you can,” Caroline tells her stepbrother, to which Lucien responds, “What’s in it for me?"

Caroline's response? 

 "What you’ve always wanted. Me."

Wowzers! As if that isn’t enough, the trailer also has some easter egg throwbacks that take you all the way back to 1999. There’s a slightly sped up version of the song “Bitter Sweet Symphony” by The Verve that takes over the final shot of the film for starters. Then there’s the homage to the 1956 Jaguar XK 140 Roadster as another reference. There’s even a joke about losing your virginity while horseback riding in there if you’re fan of the sequel. 

I know one thing, I personally can’t wait to play a game of “I Spy.”

Cruel Intentions makes it debut via Prime Video with eight episodes on November 21. 

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