Children of the ’80s, rejoice! The cast has officially been chosen for the new Jem and the Holograms movie and we’ve got the main dish.
Despite early controversy and uncertainty over whether the movie would even become a reality, the movie is already in the production phase and the cast is no longer being kept a secret . Are you ready to find out who will be portraying your favorite 1980s cartoon rock goddesses in this real-life screen adaptation? Well, here you go. Drum roll, please:
Playing the role of Jem is Aubrey Peeples, who is best known for her role as Layla Grant on the hit TV show Nashville . She is joined by Stefanie Scott, who rose to fame thanks to her role as Lexi Reed on Disney Channel’s A.N.T Farm. Stefanie will portray Jem’s sister Kimber. Aurora Perrineau, who played in Pretty Little Liars has been cast as Shana. Hayley Kiyoko, best known for her role as rebellious and rambunctious Stella in the Disney movie Lemonade Mouth , will portray Aja.
Ryan Landels wrote the script for the movie that has just about every 30-something child of the ’80s fangirl squealing with delight. Jon M. Chu is directing the cast and also holds a producer credit. Joining Chu in the role of producer is Scooter Braun, of Justin Bieber movie fame and Jason Blum, who is the founder and CEO of Blumhouse Productions.
The script will follow Jem and her friends as she rises to fame from humble beginnings as an online music sensation. Jem and her band then embark across Los Angeles to find information about her past.
According to the Hollywood Reporter , the Jem and the Holograms movie is already being filmed. This suggests that the movie might be ready for a theatrical debut later this year or early next year.
The original cartoon ran from 1985 until 1988, with the story centered around Jerrika Benton and her alter-ego Jem. The success of the original cartoon spearheaded a Hasbro toy line and a whole slew of Jem related merchandise.
Fan involvement and enthusiasm has been forefront since talks began in March to create a made-for-film adaptation of the beloved 80s cartoon. Fans from all over the world have sent in artwork and even submitted video auditions to play Jem or any of The Holograms band members. Until recently, it was thought that an undiscovered artist would portray Jem or one of her band mates.
[Photo Credit: Jon Chu]
