She made us laugh for years with her witty one-liners as the host of America's Next Top Model, but now Tyra Banks will have us laughing in a whole new way - this time on the big screen! Marking her return to acting, Banks has been announced as a cast member for the upcoming remake of the 90's comedy Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead. Despite not reaching high levels of critical or commercial success at the time of its release, the original 1991 film starring Christina Applegate as its lead found itself a niche cult following over the years. Here's what we know so far.
In the 1991 comedy, Applegate played the role of Sue Ellen Crandell, a high schooler who is left, alongside her four younger siblings, in the care of a babysitter while her mom is out of town. When the babysitter suddenly dies in her sleep, Sue Ellen is forced to give up her summer of partying to take care of her younger siblings. Sadly for the seventeen-year-old, this means being a grown responsible adult much sooner than she would have liked. This hilarious premise will be revamped around a Black family in the upcoming modern-day remake, which will be produced by Treehouse Pictures.
Talking of the decision to remake the film, Treehouse president Nappi said, "Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead is an iconic cult classic. We look forward to bringing audiences a new interpretation that is as funny and outrageous as the original but also smart and connected to the world today." Banks will reportedly play a version of Rose Lindsey - the dramatic fashion executive character initially played by Joanna Cassidy. When Sue Ellen runs out of money to look after her siblings, she begs the fashion mogul to give her a chance at being her executive assistant in exchange for some petty cash. With Tyra's business and fashion background, the role is the perfect fit.
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Apart from Banks, no other cast members have been announced for this remake. However, we do know, based on a report by Deadline, that Bille Woodruff will be directing the script written by Chuck Hayward. Production is scheduled to begin in July in Los Angeles. Stay tuned for more updates!