Jane Fonda Calls Out Sydney Sweeney’s Barbarella Remake and Fans Are Divided

The buzz around a possible remake of the 1968 cult classic Barbarella has resurfaced recently, with none other than Jane Fonda herself commenting on the project. Fonda, who starred in the original film as the iconic space adventurer, has been speaking about the upcoming remake, which is said to be in the capable hands of rising star Sydney Sweeney. The question on everyone’s mind? Can this remake live up to its predecessor, and is it really as Oscar-worthy as some have suggested?

The Legacy of the Original ‘Barbarella’

Before diving into the remake rumors, let’s take a moment to appreciate what made the original Barbarella such a phenomenon. Released in 1968, the film, directed by Roger Vadim, quickly became a symbol of the era’s counterculture. With its psychedelic visuals, quirky storyline, and unforgettable costumes, Barbarella became more than just a film—it became an icon. Jane Fonda’s portrayal of the titular character, a space-faring adventurer on a mission to stop the evil scientist Durand-Durand, captured the imagination of audiences around the world. The film was part sci-fi, part camp, and fully of its time, making it an instant cult classic. The film’s enduring popularity over the decades can be attributed to its bold style and the larger-than-life character of Barbie herself. The film’s blend of psychedelic aesthetics, subversive humor, and a bold sense of female empowerment became a defining moment for both science fiction and the genre of “camp” films. Fonda’s performance, though often playful and lighthearted, still brought a sense of charm and wit to Barbarella that elevated the film’s status.

The Remake: What We Know So Far

Fast forward to today, and rumors about a remake of Barbarella have been making the rounds for years. Recently, these rumors gained traction with Sydney Sweeney, star of Euphoria and The White Lotus, reportedly taking on the role of Barbarella herself. The news has sparked a great deal of conversation, especially given Sweeney’s growing profile in Hollywood. Some even suggest that this new iteration of Barbarella could earn Sweeney an Oscar nomination—an accolade that, as of now, remains elusive for the rising star.

Sweeney, whose star has risen with her breakout roles in both Euphoria and The White Lotus, is an unconventional choice for the role of Barbarella, which is traditionally seen as a glamorous, space-age heroine. Yet, it’s clear that her immense popularity and proven acting talent are what make her an interesting contender for this iconic role. Sweeney has proven herself capable of handling both complex, emotional characters and playful, dramatic roles, suggesting that she could bring something new and exciting to the character of Barbarella.

Though specifics about the film’s plot remain scarce, it’s clear that this new adaptation will likely take a modern approach to the original material while keeping some of the core elements intact. With an updated, possibly more feminist lens, the remake will undoubtedly draw comparisons to the original—and whether or not it can capture the same campy energy and allure that made the first Barbarella iconic is yet to be seen.

Jane Fonda’s Take on the Remake

Jane Fonda has been vocal about the remake, and while she has shown enthusiasm for Sweeney’s casting, she has also tempered expectations by reminding fans that it won’t be easy to replicate the magic of the original. “I think Sydney is wonderful, and I look forward to seeing what she does with the role,” Fonda commented in a recent interview. “But Barbie is an icon, and I’m not sure you can ever capture what we had back then. It was a different time, a different kind of film.”

Fonda’s comments are grounded in her understanding of how the cultural landscape of Hollywood has changed since the 1960s. The original Barbarella was part of a very specific time in cinema—an era where the boundaries between camp and serious filmmaking were often blurred. In contrast, today’s Hollywood is often more polished, with a strong emphasis on narratives that align with current social values. This makes it harder to recreate the raw, unpolished energy of Barbie and its surrealism.

Still, Fonda’s acknowledgment of Sweeney’s potential is telling. It’s clear that Fonda has confidence in Sweeney’s ability to bring something fresh to the character while retaining some of the original’s spirit. While Fonda remains cautious about the comparison to the original film, she recognizes the unique challenges that come with taking on such an iconic role.

Oscar-Worthy Potential?

As for the question of whether the remake of Barbarella could be Oscar-worthy, that’s a much trickier conversation. There are several factors at play here, not the least of which is the nature of the film itself. The original Barbarella was never intended to be a serious contender for prestigious awards like the Oscar. Instead, it was a genre-defining, boundary-pushing, and, in many ways, campy exploration of science fiction and the female form. It was never meant to be “Oscar-worthy” in the traditional sense.

However, in today’s Hollywood, things are different. Many genre films that once flew under the radar have earned critical acclaim and even Oscar recognition in recent years. Films like Mad Max: Fury Road, The Shape of Water, and Everything Everywhere All at Once have proven that even unconventional, visually striking films can make an impact in major award categories. Could the Barbarella remake follow in those footsteps?

The answer is more complex. First, the remake will need to strike the right balance between honoring the original’s campy spirit and providing a fresh, modern twist that appeals to both critics and mainstream audiences. This could be especially challenging with a character like Barbarella, who is steeped in the history of 1960s cinema. If the film can tap into deeper themes—such as female empowerment, space exploration, and the rise of new technologies—it could elevate the narrative to something more substantial.

Additionally, a strong performance from Sydney Sweeney could push the film into Oscar-worthy territory. Sweeney has shown a wide range of acting chops in her past roles, from her emotionally complex portrayal of Cassie in Euphoria to the cunning and mysterious Olivia in The White Lotus. If she can bring a unique layer of depth to Barbarella while maintaining the character’s iconic qualities, she might just be able to secure an Oscar nomination for her performance.

However, the Oscars also tend to favor more traditional, dramatic films, so the odds of Barbarella becoming an award contender depend heavily on how the film is received by both critics and audiences. If it leans too heavily into the campy, flashy elements of the original without offering substantial storytelling or nuanced performances, it could risk being dismissed as a mere spectacle.

The Influence of Sydney Sweeney

Sydney Sweeney’s rise in Hollywood has been meteoric, and her involvement in Barbarella could have a significant impact on the film’s reception. Sweeney is already a well-known name thanks to her standout roles in Euphoria and The White Lotus. Both of these shows have allowed her to showcase her range as an actress, which has made her a favorite among critics and viewers alike.

If Barbarella successfully capitalizes on Sweeney’s popularity, it could draw a sizable audience, boosting both ticket sales and buzz. However, it’s important to note that Sweeney’s involvement in the film could either elevate it to greater heights or fall flat if the film doesn’t deliver a strong enough narrative. After all, acting talent can only go so far if the story doesn’t live up to expectations.

Can the remake live up to its legacy?

In the end, whether or not Barbarella can live up to the legacy of the original remains to be seen. The remake certainly has potential, especially with rising star Sydney Sweeney in the lead role. If the filmmakers can strike the right balance between modern sensibilities and honoring the campy spirit of the original, there is a chance that the remake could make waves in Hollywood.

As for whether it will be Oscar-worthy? Only time will tell. The Oscars have shown a growing appreciation for genre films in recent years, but Barbarella will have to prove that it can offer more than just spectacle. If it can do that while delivering an unforgettable performance by Sweeney, perhaps an Oscar nomination isn’t as far out of reach as it seems.

For now, fans of the original film and curious moviegoers alike will have to wait and see whether this remake can truly live up to the hype and whether it will mark a new chapter in the history of Barbarella.