‘Weird Science’ Gets A Remake, Joel Silver To Produce

The 1985 John Hughes comedy Weird Science is getting a remake.

Joel Silver, who worked on the original with Hughes, will be producing the film. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World co-writer Michael Bacall will write the script.

The original Weird Science starred Anthony Michael Hall and Ilan Mitchell-Smith as Gary Wallace and Wyatt Donnelly, two high school nerds who attempt to create the perfect woman on their home computer. The two hack into a government mainframe for more storage capacity, and then add a Barbie doll using wires and electrodes. When they hit “enter,” a lightning bolt strikes the house and, when the smoke clears, a beautiful woman named Lisa (Kelly LeBrock) comes out of Wyatt’s bathroom. The boys are shocked to find out, however, that Lisa is way more than a sex object.

Bill Paxton starred as Chet Donnelly, Wyatt’s older brother, and Robert Downey Jr. starred as Ian, one of the bullies who constantly harasses Wyatt and Gary.

While Weird Science received mixed reviews from critics when it came out, John Hughes fans are sure to be wary of a remake. However, the new version will be an edgy, R-rated comedy — the original was PG-13 — more in line with The Hangover or 21 Jump Street, which was written by Bacall.

John Hughes, who directed the original Weird Science and several “Brat Pack” films — helping to launch the careers of Hall, Paxton, Molly Ringwald, Michael Keaton, and a host of other actors — died of a heart attack in 2009. He was 59 years old. His films were typically set in the suburbs of Chicago and contained a strong emphasis on pop songs. His characters also frequently broke the fourth wall, a device that was heavily employed by Matthew Broderick in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.

The 82nd Academy Awards included a tribute to Hughes’ body of work, and several actors from his films gathered on stage to commemorate the man and his contributions to the film industry.

Do you think Weird Science should get a remake?