Amazon Prime Video has released the first trailer for its highly anticipated series, Cruel Intentions, an updated take on the cult 1999 film starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, Reese Witherspoon, and Selma Blair. With its first official trailer out now — here’s what we’ve managed to learn about the revival.

Plot and Setting

The series is set at Manchester College, an elite university in Washington, D.C., where the privileged step-siblings Caroline Merteuil (Catherine Hook) and Lucien Belmont (Zac Burgess) run Greek life.

The plot revolves around their manipulative schemes to maintain their social status after a hazing incident goes wrong. And from the first glimpse at this new (yet familiar) setting, the series promises to deliver the same intrigue and teen angst as the original film, with a modern twist.

New Characters and Nostalgic Nods

In addition to Hook and Burgess, the new cast includes Savannah Lee Smith as Annie Grover, the new Annette Hargrove, and Sara Silva as Cece Carroway, the new Cecile Caldwell. Sean Patrick Thomas, who played Ronald Clifford in the original film, returns to the franchise as an original character named Professor Chadwick.

The series also features nods to the original film, including a coke-stash rosary, messy relationships, and of course, a cover of The Verve's "Bittersweet Symphony.” So, it’s extremely evident that the series will manage to pull inspiration from the ‘99 flick.

Production and Creative Team

The series is produced by Sony Pictures Television, Amazon MGM Studios, and Original Film. Sara Goodman and Phoebe Fisher serve as co-showrunners, writers, and executive producers, with Neal H. Moritz and Pavun Shetty of Original Film also executive producing. Roger Kumble, who wrote and directed the original film, is an executive producer as well.

Anticipation and Expectations

With its blend of salacious relationships and high-stakes social maneuvering, Cruel Intentions certainly has a pre-determined blueprint that could manage to captivate audiences once again. Though, this time, the series aims to explore the darker side of campus life, creating plenty of opportunities to expand the popular story with fresh perspectives along the way.

Official Release Date

As the series’ November 21, 2024, release date approaches, fans of the original film and newcomers alike are eagerly awaiting the series' premiere. With its intriguing plot, new cast, and nostalgic elements, Cruel Intentions is set to be a thrilling addition to Amazon Prime Video's growing lineup.

Check out the trailer for Cruel Intentions included below.