Other iconic teen movies from the 1990s also serve as influence for the high camp teen drama.
For Netflix’s teen comedy Do Revenge, writer-director Jennifer Kaytin Robinson (Someone Great, Thor: Love And Thunder) only had one person in mind when casting the prim and collected prep school headmaster: Sarah Michelle Gellar.
In a recent interview with IndieWire, Robinson claims, “She was my first ideal pick.” “And it was one of those situations where you doubt she’ll follow through. Yes, of course, let’s offer it to her and see what happens, was my response. When you don’t take a shot, you always miss. But I was shocked and overjoyed when she answered yes.
Robinson used Gellar’s iconic Kathryn Merteuil character from the 1999 film Cruel Intentions for her sugary Hitchcock-inspired adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s Strangers On A Train. As she created Gellar’s leading part, she transformed into the voice in Robinson’s head.
If Kathryn from Cruel Intentions became the school’s headmaster, what counsel would she give? I just heard her and sat there thinking about her. Robinson opined.
Gellar’s role in Do Revenge was mostly kept a secret up until yesterday, when actor Camila Mendes posted a clip of the ultimate revenge-seeking cruel girl’s razor-sharp, laser-focused speech.
in case you needed another reason to watch #dorevenge 😈😈 sarah michelle gellar baby!!! pic.twitter.com/x9gAQFXDZa
— camila mendes (@camilamendes) September 14, 2022
Robinson also makes references to Clueless, Heathers, Jawbreaker, and 10 Things I Hate About You in addition to Cruel Intentions. These ideas came to her as she observed the paucity of sharp, campy teen dramas in Hollywood, all with excellent needledrops.
In a New York Times profile, Robinson admits, “I’m obsessed with high school movies. But especially, “I simply feel that this kind of movie doesn’t get created anymore.” We concur.
