Rebel Wilson Taking Goldie Hawn’s Role, Starring In ‘Private Benjamin’ Remake
Rebel Wilson is set to star in the remake of the Goldie Hawn-starrer “Private Benjamin.” The Australian actress will be taking Hawn’s titular role in the New Line Cinema film.
“Private Benjamin” was first released in 1980, and was one of the biggest hits of the year. It tells the story of a spoiled young woman who is duped into joining the U.S. Army. Being pampered and sheltered her whole life, Judy Benjamin (Hawn) now finds the gruelling life of a soldier difficult to bear.
The film took about $70,000 in the box office, over four times its budget of $15 million. It was also nominated for Academy Awards, including Best Actress in a Leading Role for Goldie Hawn. It had been so popular that it spawned a TV series of the same name.
According to Variety, the remake will be featuring a different character. Instead of a spoiled, rich girl, the title character will be a redneck who enlists in the Marines to get out of a tough situation.
Talks of a remake have been around since 2010, with Anna Faris originally cast to portray the lead character. However, that project never materialised, and New Line Cinema has moved onto casting Wilson.
The Mark Gordon Company will be producing. No word yet on the director or Wilson’s co-stars.
Wilson is currently filming the sequel to the 2012 surprise hit “Pitch Perfect,” in which she garnered praises for her performance as Fat Amy.
She is also starring in the sitcom “Super Fun Night,” which she also created. Although the series has won the Favourite New TV Comedy at the People’s Choice Awards, it hasn’t been popular with the critics, with some giving it a negative review.
It’s unknown yet if the series will get renewed for a second season.