Diablo Cody has completed the script for a remake of the 1980 workplace comedy 9 to 5. At Comic-Con 2024, she revealed that the new version will focus on the cultural clash between Gen Z and Baby Boomers in a modern office environment. Interestingly, this twist will highlight the differences in both generational approaches and the corporate world.
Speaking of which, the corporate landscape has changed a lot since the original 9 to 5 was released. With the rise of technology, remote work opportunities, and a greater focus on work-life balance, Gen Z has transformed the workplace. This change contrasts with the Baby Boomer generation, who were often expected to “put up with it” and conform to corporate norms. It’s refreshing to see all of that play out on screen. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Cody expressed his excitement for the project and elaborated on how fun it is to draw the line between the two generations.
“What was really interesting to me was that the original film was so focused on the conflict between the sexes and the corporate world. And to me, most of the conflict seems to be generational – for example, Gen Z versus Baby Boomers in the workplace. And now there’s an entire generation on the rise who have learned to draw boundaries, which is really surprising but a new development.
There’s a whole other generation of people in the corporate world who are being told to just hang in there. So there’s definitely a culture clash there, and I thought, ‘Oh, this is perfect for a comedy.'”
Nine to five
Release date: December 18, 1980
Director: Colin Higgins
The original 1980 version starred Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Dolly Parton as three working women who take it upon themselves to exact revenge on their sexist bosses. The film was a huge box office hit and garnered rave reviews for capturing the hardships women faced in the male-dominated workplace of the time.
Diablo Cody is a creative force in Hollywood
Diablo Cody has made an impact in Hollywood with his distinctive voice and visionary storytelling. He first gained recognition as a screenwriter in 2007 with his debut film, “Juno.” Cody won both an Academy Award and a BAFTA Award for Best Original Screenplay. He has also worked on notable films such as “Jennifer’s Body,” “Young Adult” and “Tully.”
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Cody is also a producer on the upcoming film “Death of a Pop Star.” The film is based on the popular webtoon by Violet Karim, which was released in 2020 and has been viewed more than 30 million times online. The story centers on a loveable pop star named Sophie, who dies and wakes up in hell where she is given a second chance at life by the Grim Reaper, who is also her fan. Cody’s involvement with this dark comedy is a testament to her versatility and talent for choosing unconventional stories.
Though there’s been a lot of buzz about a 9 to 5 remake, the project is still in the early stages — Cody told EW, “We don’t have any cast members yet, but we feel like the project is moving forward. It’s been a really exciting job,” but given her track record, there’s no doubt the film will resonate with fans.
