The Betty White revival continues its unprecedented momentum with news that the star is reprising the role of Rose Nylund, her ditzy Golden Girls character, in the big screen remake of the ‘80s-‘90s TV hit. Picking up five years after the sitcom left off, the still-untitled film, which started production last month, depicts the four friends as they move from their beloved house to an assisted living complex.
In addition to renewing her role as Rose, White will also star as characters Blanche Devereaux, Dorothy Zbornak, and Sophia Petrillo, originally played by Rue McClanahan, Bea Arthur, and Estelle Getty, respectively.
The film’s screenplay was completed in the late ‘90s, but, due the failing health and eventual deaths of three of the stars, a movie remake never seemed feasible and the script languished on the shelf until recently. A studio executive explained, “Thanks to Betty’s popularity, the whole ‘80s moment pop culture is having, computers, and a few wigs, the Golden Girls movie became more than just a dream.”
The film is slated for fall 2011 release to maximize box office revenue and Oscar buzz. Our source commented, “Betty’s one of the great actresses of our time. We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves, but she may make Oscar history when she receives four best actress noms for four different roles...in the same film!”
Above: an early scene in the upcoming Golden Girls film.
