‘Grease’ is one of the most iconic movies of the 1970s, and it became one of the most successful musical films of all-time. It has stood the test of time and has been loved by generation after generations. Due to the love that people have for this movie, it is hardly surprising to learn that there is a new series called ‘Rydall High’ in the pipeline that is based on the stories and characters from the film. The original film ‘Grease’ was released in 1978 and starred Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta in the lead roles. Based on the 1971 theater musical, the screenplay was written by Bronte Woodard and it was directed by Randal Keiser. The low-budget film was made on just $6 million, yet it grossed $396 million at the worldwide box office. This was a phenomenal achievement for a film made in the 70s.
People around the world continue to enjoy watching this film, and people of all ages recognize the music from the soundtrack. Due to the success of the film, a sequel was made. ‘Grease 2′ was released in 1982 and starred Michelle Pfeiffer and Maxwell Caulfield. Many of the characters from the original reprised their roles. It was directed by Patricia Birch, who had choreographed the original film. It did not have the same impact on audiences as the original film as it grossed only $15.2 million from a budget of $11 million. Now, Distractify reports that the new HBO Max channel has given the go-ahead for a new Grease spinoff series called ‘Rydell High. It is believed that the show will premier in the Spring of 2020. So, what do we know about this show so far?
It is reported that the revamp of the movie will include many of the original characters from the film. However, there are also many new characters being introduced to the show for viewers to get to know. Therefore, there are some differences between the original film and the storyline in the series. Just like the film, ‘Rydell High’ is set in the 1950s, so you can expect to see the characters dressed in pretty much the same way as they were in the film as these were the trends of that decade. The plan is to have the Pink Ladies in their famous jackets, and for the men to have leather jackets and slicked-back hair.
Many of the themes that ran through the movie will also play an important part in the HBO Max show. Some of these include peer pressure, the high school experience, the rollercoaster of life in middle America, and the general horrors that teens face as they go through puberty. A touch of modern sensibility is being added to the storylines to ensure that it holds current appeal for viewers. The music is one of the elements of the film that became most famous. Even today, the Grease Megamix is played at parties throughout the world and everyone knows the words to sing-along. If you are a fan of the Grease soundtrack, you will be pleased to hear that many of the tracks from the movie will feature in ‘Rydell High’. To mix things up a bit, there are many new songs being included that were written specifically for the show.
Bob Greenblatt is the Chairman of Warner Media Entertainment. He has spoken about the plans for ‘Rydell High’, saying that they are combining the musical style of Grease with the experience of ‘High School Musical’ to create a show that everyone will love. As ‘High School Musical’ has been such a bit hit with younger audiences, applying some of this experience to ‘Rydell High’ will allow younger audiences to fall in love with the themes and music of ‘Grease’. Many of the details of this new weekly series are as yet unknown, says Slash Film. No directors, writers, or producers have yet been announced. However, it is known that Picturestart, Temple Hill, and Paramount Television. These are the same production teams that are also working on a ‘Grease’ prequel film called ‘Summer Lovin”.
One of the main details that have not been released is whether the storyline will involve Danny and Sandy, the main characters from the original film. Although it has been said that the series will include some characters from the original film, there has been no specific mention of these particular characters. If they are included in the series, who will play them? Which of the other characters are being reintroduced and who the new characters are is another element of the series that has not been made clear. In fact, there has been no information regarding the characters or any confirmed cast members for the series.
For some fans of ‘Grease’, a spinoff series is fantastic news, but others are not so sure that this is a good idea. According to The Sun, some fans are worried that the series will ruin the legacy of the original film. Others are concerned that other series that have been based on musical films have rarely work, so it is possible that this will also happen with ‘Rydell High’. Although the series has had the green light from HBO Max, production has not yet begun. So, ‘Grease’ fans will have to wait for some time to find out more information about this new series. As the series is not set to air until Spring 2019, there is also a wait to see if this series will capture the hearts of viewers in the same way that the 1978 film did or if it will have only the same lackluster success of the Grease sequel. Viewers will have to wait until the series airs and make their own decision as to whether the series is a hit or a miss.Grease
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