FridayOL

Hollywood is experiencing a major wave of nostalgia, and it's all thanks to the early 2000s. From sequels to reboots, studios are tapping into beloved millennial IPs like 'The Devil Wears Prada' and 'Freaky Friday' to deliver fresh, original stories. But why now? IndieWire spoke with the creative minds behind these revivals – Aline Brosh McKenna ('The Devil Wears Prada 2' screenwriter), Jordan Weiss, and Elyse Hollander ('Freaky Friday' creatives) – to uncover the reasons behind this resurgence of early aughts nostalgia and how they're breathing new life into iconic films.

The late 90s and early 2000s hold a special place in the hearts of millennials, a generation now entering their 30s and 40s. These were formative years, filled with defining pop culture moments, and a desire to revisit that era is understandable. But it's more than just sentimentality; it’s a powerful marketing tool. “There’s a built-in audience,” explains McKenna. “People have a strong emotional connection to these films, and they're eager to see them reimagined.” The current media landscape, dominated by streaming services and constant content creation, also plays a role. Audiences are overwhelmed with choices, making familiar, comforting stories all the more appealing.

However, these revivals aren't just about rehashing old plots. The creative teams are focused on delivering something new while honoring the spirit of the originals. “It’s not about doing the same movie again,” emphasizes Weiss. “It’s about taking what made the original special and evolving it for a modern audience.” For 'Freaky Friday,' that meant exploring contemporary themes and relationships while retaining the core comedic dynamic between a mother and daughter. 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' promises to delve deeper into Miranda Priestly's complex character and explore the evolving world of fashion. Hollander adds, “We want to surprise audiences, but also give them what they love about the original.”

The success of previous reboots and sequels has undoubtedly emboldened studios to pursue more millennial-focused IPs. The audience is there, and the nostalgia factor provides a significant head start. But it also comes with a responsibility to deliver quality. “Audiences are smart,” McKenna notes. “They can tell when you’re just chasing a paycheck. You have to have a genuine passion for the material and a clear vision for how to update it.” The creatives involved are keenly aware of this responsibility, emphasizing the importance of staying true to the original while also pushing boundaries and exploring new territory.

With 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' and the new 'Freaky Friday' on the horizon, it’s clear that Hollywood’s nostalgia wave is far from over. Expect to see more beloved films from the early 2000s get the revival treatment, as studios continue to capitalize on the power of shared memories and the desire for comforting, familiar stories. The key will be finding the right balance between honoring the past and embracing the future, creating revivals that resonate with both longtime fans and new audiences alike. The early aughts are back, and Hollywood is ready to ride the wave.