Screen Gems is planning a hip-hop musical reimagining of Jane Austen’s classic novel “Emma” for the big screen, says Variety.
Chris Bender and J.C. Spink will produce via their Benderspink banner.
The contemporary-set tale, which takes place at an inner-city high school, revolves around a stepbrother and stepsister. The film will include at least 15 song and dance numbers. Tyger Williams (Menace II Society) wrote the screenplay.
Screen Gems topper Clint Culpepper said he came up with the idea for “Emma,” which will likely be redubbed Emme, after watching the music video “Lipgloss” by Lil Mama.
Austen’s novel also inspired the Alicia Silverstone starrer Clueless, which was set in a suburban Southern California high school.
