Before mastering the world of drama with Big Little Lies, The Morning Show and Little Fires Everywhere, Reese Witherspoon was the queen of romantic comedies. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the actress grew a name for herself in Hollywood playing the leading lady in some of the now most iconic films of all time (hello, Legally Blonde anyone?)
Now Witherspoon is returning to those roots, reportedly signing on to two rom-com’s with Netflix, per Variety – Your Place or Mine and The Cactus. I don’t know about you, but we’re already sold from the titles alone.
Your Place or Mine will centre on two long-distance best friends who change each other’s lives when one decides to pursue a lifelong dream and other volunteers to keep an eye on her teenage son. The film is based on the original script from Aline Brosh McKenna, who will also be making her feature directorial debut. It will have Jason Bateman and Michael Costigan producing, alongside Witherspoon’s own production company Hello Sunshine.
The Cactus is based on Sarah Haywood’s bestselling novel of the same name, which was also picked for Witherspoon’s 2019 July book club. According to the description, it will focus on a woman’s unexpected pregnancy at the age of 45, causing her to rethink the structured life she created for herself. It will follow the unconventional journey toward love, family and learning to embrace the unexpected.
While no new information has been released on the two new films, we’ve rounded up some of the most iconic rom-com’s Witherspoon has starred in during her career (to you know, help fill the void until the new releases).
Cruel Intentions
Cruel Intentions was the risque 1999 film adaptation of Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’ 1782 novel ‘Dangerous Liaisons’. Set in New York City, as opposed to the original 18th-century France, the film follows wealthy Kathryn Merteuil (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and step-brother Sebastian Valmont (Ryan Phillippe) as they wage a bet he can’t make the innocent Annette Hargrove (Witherspoon) fall in love with him. The tale is dark, twisted and with a humorous edge that is still highly praised today. Its soundtrack, featuring Bitter Sweet Symphony by The Verve, should also not go without mention.
Legally Blonde
A film that really needs no introduction. The 2001 comedy was based on Amanda Brown’s novel of the same name and follows Elle Woods (Witherspoon) as a sorority girl who attempts to win back her ex-boyfriend Warner Huntington III (Matthew Davis). Woods heads to Harvard, in the process falling for Emmett Richmond (Luke Wilson), all the while bending and snapping her way to becoming a successful lawyer.
Witherspoon announced in 2019 that a third Legally Blonde film was in the works.
Sweet Home Alabama
Witherspoon returned to her Southern roots for Sweet Home Alabama. The actress starred as Melanie Smooter, a New York City socialite who, after getting engaged to eligible bachelor Andrew Hennings (Patrick Dempsey), is forced to return home to obtain a divorce from husband Jake Perry (Josh Lucas) after seven years of separation. On top of getting its titular name from Lynyrd Skynyrd iconic rock song Sweet Home Alabama, the film is a tale of destiny, past mistakes and the discovery of self.
Walk The Line
Walk The Line is an American biographical musical drama based on two autobiographies authored by singer-songwriter Johnny Cash; 1975’s Man in Black: His Own Story in His Own Words and 1997’s Cash: The Autobiography. It follows Cash’s (Joaquin Phoenix) early life, his romance with June Carter (Witherspoon), and his ascent in the country music scene. Witherspoon went on to win an Academy Award, BAFTA Award and Golden Globe Award for her portrayal as Carter.
Just Like Heaven
If you’re in need of a good cry, Just Like Heaven is always a guaranteed tear-jerker. The film, directed by Mark Waters, is based on the french novel If Only It Were True by Marc Levy. It follows the life of lonely landscape architect David Abbott (Mark Ruffalo) who falls for the spirit of the beautiful and brazen Elizabeth Masterson (Witherspoon) who used to live in his new apartment.
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