No one has crueler intentions than Kathryn Merteuil. That's why Sarah Michelle Gellar will reprise her role from the 1999 cult film, "Cruel Intentions," in the NBC follow-up drama pilot based on the film.
Gellar confirmed her return in an Instagram photo with the film's writer-director Roger Kumble and producer Neal H. Moritz, who will also serve as executive producers on the TV series. She co-starred with Ryan Phillippe and Reese Witherspoon in the original movie.
"#throwbackthursday (a bit early in Los Angeles) this picture was taken on the eve of production on the original #cruelintentions. Its me #rogerkumble (director) and #nealmoritz (exec producer) and the other is a picture of us now on the eve of production on the new #cruelintentions. That's right "everybody loves me, and I intend to keep it that way" #kathrynmerteuil is back!!! I am happy to say that I will be joining them (and @nbctv ) on the new #Crueltv," Gellar captioned the photo showing her with Kumble and Moritz then and now.
The show "Cruel Intentions" will take place in present day, 15 years after the movie, and will follow the beautiful and cunning Kathryn Merteuil (Gellar) as she vies for control of Valmont International as well as the soul of Bash Casey (played by Taylor John Smith), the son of her step-brother, the late Sebastian Valmont (Phillippe), and Annette Hargrove (Witherspoon). Upon discovering his late father's legacy in a hidden journal, Bash is introduced to a world of sex, money, power and corruption he never could have imagined.
Kathryn Merteuil is described as a master manipulator who easily hides her self-serving machinations behind a façade of charm, poise and warmth. She is now married to the wealthy Pascal Barrett and stepmother to his spoiled daughter Cassidy (Stephanie Logan). She also spearheads an inspiring youth rehabilitation movement as well as being involved in a local private school. The arrival of Bash and re-appearance of his mother Annette leave Kathryn privately shaken.
"Cruel Intentions" also cast Sophina Brown as the ex-husband of Pascal and mother of Cassidy. She will play Naomi, a force to be reckoned with having recently returned from Capitol Hill with the hopes of being the first black Republican congresswoman in the history of California.
Kumble wrote the pilot script with Lindsey Rosin and Jordan Ross, the creators of "The Unauthorized Musical Parody of Cruel Intentions." He will also direct the pilot.
