A Remake Of “What Women Want” Is Happening Edition
Here’s a really scary idea that is also terrible. Deadline reports that Paramount Players is going to remake the already terrifying Nancy Meyers movie What Women Want starring Mel Gibson, only this time it’s gender reversed and stars Taraji P. Henson and is called What Men Want!
According to Deadline:
The original starred Mel Gibson as a confident chauvinistic male who suddenly acquires the ability to hear what the women around him are really thinking. The new version follows a female sports agent (Henson) who has been constantly boxed out by her male colleagues. When she gains the power to hear men’s thoughts, she is able to shift the paradigm to her advantage as she races to sign the NBA’s next superstar.
In light of the current Weinsteinaggedon we are suffering through, last thing we need right now is to be reminded of Mel Gibson or that this that weird, gross movie exists! I mean, YouTube turned comments off the trailer FOR a reason. And now we are expected to get excited about forcing Taraji to listen to the secret thoughts of the men of the NBA?! Even though Taraji she fly as hell; hard, diamond hard, pass.
Deadline adds that Taraji is also an executive producer on this so maybe there is hope for a better outcome than I am imagining but I’ve got serious questions. For one, why now? I’m triggered just hearing the premise. We are not ready for Hollywood’s breezy interpretation of gender politics. Deadline says they are fast-tracking the film so this can’t be accidental timing; they are looking to catch a wave. For two, why Sportsball/The NBA? Are they trying to cash in on Jemile Hill‘s renegade heat right now? If so, they better give her a cut. And for three, can you have a Nancy Meyers joint without a rich blond lady in there somewhere? If Paramount can answer these questions to my satisfaction, I might not stay mad. I still won’t see it but I may allow it to exist.
Pic: Wenn.com