"La La Land" actress Jessica Rothe is set to star in MGM's musical adaptation of the 1983 comedy "Valley Girl." "Mary Poppins Quits" director Rachel Lee Goldenberg will direct.
According to Variety, Rothe will play as the female lead named Julie in "Valley Girl." Her character is a sweet-natured San Fernando Valley girl and falls hard for a punk rocker from Hollywood. As a result, her world and values are rocked too.
"Looking Glass" actor Nicolas Cage and "Beautiful Loser" actress Deborah Foreman starred in the original film with the same name "Valley Girl," Deadline reported. It was directed by "Cult" helmer Martha Coolidge. It cost only $350,000 to produce, becoming a solid performer at the box office with $17 million.
The original movie was released in the wake of the success of the "Valley Girl" song by Frank Zappa. Moon Unit Zappa (14-year-old daughter of Frank) mocked the unique speech patterns of teenage girls from the Valley. The film's soundtrack featured songs from the Plimsouls, Josie Cotton, Bonnie Hayes, Modern English, and the Payolas.
Rothe recently wrapped production in the romantic feature "Forever My Girl" starring opposite "The 5th Wave" actor Alex Roe. She can be seen next as Alexis in another musical "La La Land" starring "The Amazing Spider-Man" actress Emma Stone and "The Big Short" actor Ryan Gosling with an Oscar-qualifying theatrical release on Dec. 9. She was also reported to star in Blumhouse's horror movie "Half to Death."
Rothe's other projects include "The Masterpiece" directed by "The Institute" director James Franco, "Please Stand By" with "Coraline" actress Dakota Fanning and "Hostages" actress Toni Collette and Nico Sabenorio's drama "Juveniles." On the TV side, she starred in MTV's Mary + Jane that premiered its first season in September.
The upcoming remake of "Valley Girl" is slated to begin filming next year. It will be produced by "Doctor Who" actor Matt Smith. The script is written by "Brave New Girl" screenwriter Amy Talkington.
Watch the video of the 1983 classic trailer from Nicholas Cage movie "Valley Girl":