Sony Reboots Charlie’s Angels for the Big Screen
Sony Pictures is developing a new Charlie’s Angels feature film, with screenwriter Pete Chiarelli attached to the project. The move continues the studio’s long-running investment in the decades-old franchise, which has been adapted multiple times for television and film since its 1970s debut.
Details about the new movie remain sparse. It is not yet known whether this iteration will connect to the McG-led early-2000s films, the 2019 Elizabeth Banks-directed version, or if it will be a wholly fresh reinterpretation of the property.
Who Is Pete Chiarelli?
Pete Chiarelli’s career spans romantic comedy, action-mystery, and high-profile studio fare. He broke out with the Sandra Bullock–Ryan Reynolds rom-com The Proposal, and later wrote Now You See Me 2 and the global hit Crazy Rich Asians. His most recent project, the animated sports comedy GOAT, is set to reach theaters this weekend. Chiarelli’s experience across genres suggests Sony could pursue a mix of comedy and action for the new Angels film.
The Origin and Evolution of Charlie’s Angels
Charlie’s Angels began as a television series created by Aaron Spelling. The premise centered on three female private investigators working for the Townsend Agency, overseen remotely by Charlie Townsend, a boss who was heard but never seen. John Forsythe provided Charlie’s distinctive voice, while David Doyle appeared on-screen as the Angels’ intermediary, John Bosley.
The original series launched several careers—most notably Farrah Fawcett, Kate Jackson, and Jaclyn Smith—and ran for five seasons. While the show was immensely popular with audiences, critics often dismissed it as sensationalized or overly sexualized; the label “jiggle television” was frequently applied. The series also underwent significant cast turnover during its run.
Feature Films and Revivals: A Mixed Box Office Record
Charlie’s Angels has proven to be a resilient intellectual property, but its film and TV revivals have had uneven results.
- The 2000 theatrical reboot directed by McG, starring Drew Barrymore, Lucy Liu, and Cameron Diaz, was a commercial breakout. It earned approximately $264 million worldwide on a $93 million production budget.
- Its sequel, Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, also performed strongly, taking in more than $250 million globally.
- Later revival attempts failed to replicate that success. A 2011 TV reboot produced by the creators of Smallville was canceled after 11 episodes.
- The 2019 film, directed by Elizabeth Banks and headlined by Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, and Ella Balinska, grossed around $73 million worldwide against a $55 million budget—well below earlier film returns.
These varying outcomes highlight the franchise’s ongoing challenge: balancing modern sensibilities with the brand’s legacy of glamour, action, and camp.
Cultural Impact and Criticism
Charlie’s Angels has long existed at the intersection of feminist reading and objectification critique. For some viewers, the franchise represents female empowerment—women in lead-action roles, capable of solving crimes and engaging in physical combat. For others, especially critics of the original series, the emphasis on the Angels’ appearance and glamour undercut its progressive potential.
Reboots have each tried to navigate this tension differently: some leaned into satire and spectacle, others into feminist reframing. Any new film will again need to reckon with audience expectations around tone, representation, and genre.
Other Projects: A Tween Series Set in Brazil
Sony is also developing a separate Charlie’s Angels project aimed at younger viewers: a tween-focused series set in Brazil. Details on that series are limited, and its timeline and creative team have not been publicly disclosed. The dual development tracks underscore Sony’s interest in expanding the brand across demographics and platforms.
What to Expect Next
With Pete Chiarelli writing, the new Charlie’s Angels film could blend humor and action—an approach that worked well for past successful installments. However, until casting, a director, and a production timeline are announced, the project’s specific direction is speculative.
Fans and industry observers should watch for:
- Whether the screenplay ties into previous films or starts fresh
- Casting choices and whether the production looks to established stars or new talent
- Whether the tone leans comedic, action-driven, satirical, or a hybrid
Staying Updated
Sony’s development of a new Charlie’s Angels movie marks the latest chapter in a franchise that has been reimagined repeatedly over the last five decades. More concrete information—such as a director, cast, and release schedule—will clarify how this next entry positions the Angels for today’s audiences. Stay tuned to official studio announcements for confirmed details.