Alicia Silverstone will return as Cher Horowitz in a sequel series to the beloved 1995 film “Clueless,” Paramount+ announced Thursday. The series, slated to begin production next year, is described as an “event series” and will see Silverstone reprising her iconic role.
Thirty-one years after the original movie’s release, the new series picks up three decades later, with Cher balancing her career and motherhood in Beverly Hills. However, her parenting journey takes a turn when her daughter enters high school, leaving Cher feeling “clueless” once again, according to press notes.
Silverstone confirmed her involvement via Instagram. The project is being executive produced by the original film’s writer-director Amy Heckerling, original producer Robert Lawrence, and Silverstone herself. Jane Wiseman, head of originals for Paramount+, expressed pride in filming the series in Los Angeles, celebrating the city’s role in the original film and its talent.
Previous attempts at a “Clueless” continuation include a drama series reboot focusing on Dionne Davenport, announced by CBS Studios in 2019, which did not materialize. The current series was initially in development at Peacock before the platform passed on the project in April.
The creative team also includes writers Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, known for their work on “The O.C.” and “Gossip Girl,” along with writer Jordan Weiss, who has writing credits for “Freaky Friday” and “Dollface.”
“Clueless,” released in July 1995, was a modern adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Emma.” The film followed a privileged Beverly Hills teenager, Cher, who engaged in matchmaking and other schemes, ultimately leading to personal reevaluation and a romance with her stepbrother, Josh, portrayed by Paul Rudd. The original ensemble cast also featured Stacey Dash, Donald Faison, Breckin Meyer, and the late Brittany Murphy. It is currently unknown if other original cast members will join the sequel series.
The 1995 film achieved box office success and became a cultural touchstone, influencing subsequent female-centric coming-of-age comedies. Silverstone reflected in a 2020 interview that she initially found Cher to be a “materialistic and unappealing” character but discovered her “heart and all the love” during the filming process. She also noted the enduring appeal of the film, stating, “People liking the movie you’re in? It truly doesn’t get better.”