The psychological thriller genre is about to get a gripping revival as two of Hollywood’s brightest stars, Jenna Ortega and Taylor Russell, team up for a modern reimagining of Single White Female. This fresh take on the chilling 1992 film, currently in development under Elizabeth Gabler’s 3000 Pictures in partnership with Sony, promises to bring a new perspective on obsession, identity, and psychological terror.
The original film, directed by Barbet Schroeder and based on John Lutz’s novel SWF Seeks Same, starred Bridget Fonda and Jennifer Jason Leigh in a tense thriller that explored the dark side of roommate dynamics. With themes of identity theft, psychological manipulation, and deadly fixation, Single White Female became an instant classic, leaving an eerie cultural imprint that still resonates today.
A Bold Casting Move & A New Perspective
What makes this remake particularly intriguing is its powerhouse casting choice. Ortega, widely recognized for her breakout role as Wednesday Addams on Netflix, and Russell, known for her haunting performance in Bones and All, will not only star in the film but also serve as producers, making sure that they have creative influence over this new vision.
With both actresses bringing their own nuanced intensity to the project, this iteration of Single White Female has the potential to expand on its psychological themes through a contemporary and diverse lens. The decision to cast Ortega and Russell also marks a departure from the original’s all-white lead cast, offering an opportunity to explore the film’s unsettling themes in ways that feel more relevant to today’s social landscape.
A Story That Still Haunts Audiences Today
For those unfamiliar with the original, Single White Female follows Allison (Fonda), a woman looking for a roommate after a breakup, who unknowingly welcomes Hedra (Leigh) into her home—only to realize too late that her new roommate is dangerously obsessed with taking over her life. What begins as a seemingly harmless arrangement escalates into a nightmare, with Hedra slowly infiltrating every aspect of Allison’s existence, even mimicking her appearance in a disturbingly eerie transformation.
Originally produced on a $16 million budget, the 1992 thriller earned $48 million domestically, proving its staying power in the genre. The film even inspired a 2005 direct-to-video sequel, Single White Female 2: The Psycho, though it failed to capture the same level of success as its predecessor.
What We Know So Far
Though Sony has yet to make an official statement, industry insiders have confirmed that negotiations are in motion. According to Jeff Sneider of The Insneider, production could begin as soon as next year, factoring in Ortega’s commitments to J.J. Abrams’ upcoming project and Russell’s work on the reboot of The Thomas Crown Affair with Michael B. Jordan.
While no director has been attached and screenplay details remain tightly under wraps, one thing is clear: Hollywood’s fascination with psychological thrillers is far from over. With the increasing presence of technology, social media, and shifting identity dynamics in today’s world, Single White Female is ripe for a retelling that reflects modern anxieties surrounding privacy, obsession, and personal boundaries.
A Thriller For The Digital Age
Much like the original, which shaped the stalker-thriller subgenre, this remake has the potential to explore the dangers of parasocial relationships, online identity theft, and the blurred lines between admiration and fixation in today’s hyperconnected world.
For fans eager to revisit the original, Single White Female is currently available to stream on Fubo, providing the perfect refresher before Ortega and Russell take on their chilling new roles. As we await further updates, one thing is certain—this new take on Single White Female is shaping up to be just as unnerving, thrilling, and unforgettable as the original.
