Sony Pictures is once again revisiting the world of “Charlie’s Angels,” setting in motion plans for a new feature film installment. The studio is hoping to recapture the magic of the franchise, which has seen varying degrees of success over the decades, with a fresh take spearheaded by screenwriter Pete Chiarelli.
Chiarelli, known for his work on the romantic comedy “The Proposal” and the adaptation of “Crazy Rich Asians,” has been tapped to pen the script for the reboot. The project is currently in early development, signaling a cautious approach as Sony navigates a landscape littered with reboots and revivals that haven’t always resonated with audiences.
Notably, Drew Barrymore’s Flower Films production banner is reportedly involved in this latest iteration, according to sources. This marks a return for Barrymore, who was instrumental in bringing “Charlie’s Angels” back to the big screen in the early 2000s, co-starring alongside Cameron Diaz and Lucy Liu in a pair of successful films directed by McG. The 2000 film grossed over $264 million worldwide, prompting a 2003 sequel, “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle.” However, Barrymore was not involved in the 2019 reboot directed by Elizabeth Banks and starring Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, and Ella Balinska, which underperformed at the box office, earning just $73.3 million globally.
The “Charlie’s Angels” property originated as a hugely popular television series in the late 1970s, airing on ABC and starring Farrah Fawcett, Kate Jackson, and Jaclyn Smith as a trio of female detectives working for the mysterious Charlie Townsend. The show quickly became a cultural phenomenon, breaking ground with its depiction of strong, independent women in action roles. The series ran for five seasons, cementing its place in television history.
Sony’s attempts to sustain the franchise beyond the initial films have met with mixed results. A television series revival in 2011, featuring Minka Kelly and Rachael Taylor, was short-lived, lasting only seven episodes. The 2019 film, while aiming for a more contemporary and globalized approach to the Townsend Agency, failed to connect with audiences, highlighting the challenges of rebooting established properties in a crowded entertainment market.
Chiarelli’s recent work includes a screen story credit on the animated feature “Goat,” which debuted in theaters on Friday, February 13th, 2026. His involvement suggests Sony is aiming for a blend of action and humor, potentially leaning into the comedic strengths demonstrated in “The Proposal” and “Crazy Rich Asians.”
The studio has yet to issue an official comment regarding the project, maintaining a tight-lipped stance as development progresses. This is not unusual for projects in their early stages, as studios often prefer to keep details under wraps until a clearer vision emerges. However, the return of Barrymore and Flower Films signals a potential attempt to tap into the nostalgia and goodwill associated with the earlier, more successful iterations of the franchise.
The decision to revisit “Charlie’s Angels” comes at a time when female-led action films are gaining traction, though the path to success remains unpredictable. The success of films like “Wonder Woman” and the growing demand for diverse representation in Hollywood suggest a potential audience for a well-executed “Charlie’s Angels” reboot. However, the recent failures of other reboots serve as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the importance of a compelling story and a clear understanding of what made the original property resonate with audiences.
The challenge for Sony and Chiarelli will be to strike a balance between honoring the legacy of “Charlie’s Angels” and offering a fresh, contemporary take that appeals to a modern audience. Whether they can succeed remains to be seen, but the project represents another attempt to breathe new life into a beloved, if somewhat dormant, franchise.
