South Pacific Remake on the Way

Variety are today reporting that a remake of the classic musical made in 1958, South Pacific is in production. The movie was directed by Joshua Logan and starred Rossano Brazzi, Mitzi Gaynor, John Kerr and Ray Walston was shot in Hawaii and in it’s year of release had the highest Box Office takings bringing in $36m ($23m). It was based on the James Michener Musical set on an island during World War 2.

According to the site, they plan to keep all the songs from the movie but will make it more hard-edged (whatever that means!). Ileen Maisel and Bob Balaban will producer the movie under their banner, Amber Entertainment.

“Our movie will be a tougher, more realistic retelling of the same classic story of two very different people whose love for each other transcends their enormous cultural differences,” Balaban said. “We think there’s a whole new audience just waiting to fall in love with its magical score, epic romance and exotic locale.”

South Pacific at the 1959 Oscars for Best Sound and was also nominated for Best Cinematography, and Best Music, Scoring of a Musical Picture. Head over to Variety for much more info on the movie. No news on casting yet but we’ll let you know.

I’ve personally never seen it but it’s a classic that many people love. Is this just another way for Hollywood to rehash the old classics? Should it be left alone? Tell us in the comments section below.