The War of the Roses is getting a remake that looks almost as savage as the original.
“Divorce but blackly funny” is the name of the game in The Roses. The upcoming comedy, directed by Austin Powers helmer Jay Roach, sees Benedict Cumberbatch and Oscar winner Olivia Colman as the titular couple, Theo and Ivy. After his career craters and hers skyrockets, they decide to call it quits. But there’s a point of contention: the house. And it’s on like Donkey Kong. Let’s go to the trailer…
Well, that looks like fun. But if it seems familiar, you may be remembering 1989’s The War of the Roses, which was a smash hit. Reuniting Romancing the Stone stars Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, and Danny DeVito (who also directed) it was a big change in tone from their previous project, largely because DeVito is an absolute savage with a dim view of human nature. That’s why he pretty much inserted himself into It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, of course, but check out Death to Smoochy for his bleakest, funniest directorial effort.
Will The Roses be as dark? Hard to say – can’t see Colman cooking Cumberbatch’s dog and feeding it to him, as Turner did in the OG (she was kidding, but the punchline took a while). But both actors have been in some pretty dark comedies in their time – Colman starred in The Favourite, for Christ’s sake.
Speaking of stars, we’ve got a pretty goof supporting cast here, with Andy Samberg, Allison Janney, Belinda Bromilow, Sunita Mani, Ncuti Gatwa, Jamie Demetriou, Zoë Chao, and Kate McKinnon all on board. And while Roach is a bit patchy as a director, this seems well within his wheelhouse. Also, did you know he’s married to Susanna Hoffs of The Bangles? Don’t skimp on that whole sense of humour thing, fellas – it counts for a lot.
The Roses hits Australian cinemas on August 28. Here’s Mike Myers and Ming Tea featuring Susanna Hoffs to keep you amused until then.
MORE IN News
