James Franco to remake a 1996 Tori Spelling Lifetime original movie, because why not?

By Stephanie Topacio Long December 21, 2015

james franco lifetime original movie mother may i sleep with danger — Lifetime

James Franco is the latest big name to embrace Lifetime original movies: The actor-slash-filmmaker may have an Academy Award nomination to his name, but he’s still not above a TV movie. The network announced Monday that Franco has signed on to remake Lifetime’s Mother, May I Sleep With Danger? The 1996 original starred Tori Spelling and Ivan Sergei.

Set to air in 2016, the remake will come in time for the TV movie’s 20th anniversary. The original is a cult classic, made during Spelling’s days as one of the stars of the iconic teen TV series Beverly Hills, 90210. The plot centers on Laurel (played by Spelling), a teenage girl whose boyfriend, Kevin (Sergei), seems wonderful because of his utter devotion to her. When she tries to get some space, though, it soon becomes apparent that he’s not such a dream guy after all; in fact, he’s a nightmare.

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Mother, May I Sleep With Danger? does seem like the perfect film for Franco to take on. The film is a quintessential Lifetime original, and its cult following should be thrilled to watch the remake. Whether or not Franco will appear in the film as well hasn’t been announced, but sources tell Variety that more information is coming in 2016. Among details expected to be shared is whether or not he and Spelling will have roles.

Lifetime original movies typically aren’t exactly known for attracting Hollywood A-listers, but that seems to be changing. In June, Kristen Wiig and Will Ferrell starred in A Deadly Adoption, a film that coincidentally co-starred a next-generation 90210 alum, Jessica Lowndes. With Franco teaming up with Lifetime now, other stars may follow.

Franco is set to executive produce alongside Vince Jolivette, Diane Sokolow, and Rachel Verno. Amber Coney penned the script, and Melanie Aitkenhead will direct. An air date hasn’t been announced, but the TV movie is set to premiere sometime in 2016.

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Stephanie Topacio Long

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Stephanie Topacio Long is a writer and editor whose writing interests range from business to books. She also contributes to…

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