Bringing back the 80’s has almost never been a good idea — perhaps until now. "Fame," the beloved musical film and TV series from the 1980s, is back. The revamped 21st century version (out Sept. 25) has new stars, new storylines and an entirely new soundtrack — it will, however, still be recognizable to those who remember their names…remember…remember.
"We use the same ideas, characters, motifs, and spin it on its head," dished Paul Iacono, who plays the role of aspiring film director Neil, to MTV News. "We bring it to the modern day world, and bring a gritty and authentic feel to it."
Still set in a New York School for Performing Arts and still following a group of fresh, talented teens vying for, of course, fame, the remake mirrors its counterpart. Newcomer Kherington Payne (pictured), who plays the role of a dancer named Alice, revealed to us that while the film isn’t completely a remake, it features the same themes. "It’s the same basis," she said. "These kids go through a lot to reach fame."
But what about the film's uplifting, finger-snapping, hip-shaking theme song from 1980? Rest easy, "Fame" aficionados, because there’s a new version of the theme in the recently-released trailer. "There’s a remix of the theme song," Kherington explained. "[The soundtrack] is also going to have new upbeat, modern songs in it. There’s also two songs from the original 'Fame.'"
Though this remake boasts familiar names like Kelsey Grammar, Debbie Allen, and Charles S. Dutton — who play teachers in the film — "Fame" is the first starring role for many of the younger actors and actresses and it allowed them to bring their own heartfelt experiences to their work. "We’ve all sort of lived this," said Paul, who actually attended the New York School for Performing Arts with costar Asher Book, who plays the singer Marco. "We’re all young, aspiring actors and ['Fame'] is our big break. This is going to set the standard for the modern-day musical — and we’re very aware of that."
"Everything you see feels like it could actually happen at your school," added Collins Pennie, who plays the role of Malik the rapper. Unlike its genre equivalent "High School Musical," "Fame" promises to be more authentic and more serious. "Everything feels very organic and very real, which makes it cool and believable and sticks to the concept of it being authentic."
But in the grand tradition of musicals, especially in high school, Asher Book also promised one final key ingredient: Fun. "We all sing a lot in the movie and dance," he said excitedly. "It’s really exciting and fresh."
Do you prefer fiercely-loyal remakes (“Psycho”), vastly-different ones (“Taking of Pelham 1 2 3”) or remakes that simply change the title (“Obsession”)?
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