Danny DeVito’s 80s Dark Comedy Remake Wasn’t on Our 2024 Bingo Cards

Even though there are some principles of cinematography that stay the same throughout the years, some things within the industry seem to be shifting and changing, and ethics is one of them.

That relates not only to the changes within the working environment for the cast and crew, which makes the modern movie making far less toxic of an industry that it’s been years before, but also to the stories that the directors choose to have. Of course, in 2024, comedies still can be edgy.

But can they be the 80s Danny DeVito level of unhinged?

Will There Be The War of the Roses Remake?

It has been reported that a remake of the 1989 Danny DeVito satirical comedy War of the Roses is in development.

With Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch in the lead roles and the Poor Things ’ Tony McNamara penning the screenplay, the film looks set to be a success.

“Life seems easy for picture-perfect couple Theo (Cumberbatch) and Ivy (Colman): successful careers, great kids, an enviable sex life. But underneath the façade of the perfect family is a tinderbox of competition and resentments that’s ignited when Theo’s professional dreams come crashing down,” the synopsis reads.

So far, The Roses does not seem to deviate too much from the original premise. The only concern that fans of the original movie have is whether the new movie will be able to keep up with the sharp and truly dark humor of its predecessor.

Is The War of the Roses (1989) Funny?

Even though DeVito's film has an 83% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, every single review feels it is important to warn potential viewers that this may be the darkest comedy ever released. Perhaps that's why audiences were even more divided, with only 71% of viewers saying they would recommend the film.

Of course, no divorce comedy can really be gentle and sweet, and both parties should come out with the worst of their worst. However, it will be very important to show the slightest glimpse of misogyny and horrible behavior, which DeVito has masterfully poured into the scenes, without it becoming too absurd.

The Roses has a chance to either be one of the best remakes of the 21st century, considering the great talent of everyone involved, or yet another example of an overly sanitized attempt to bring the classics of the past to the screen. Be the first to find out the premiere date and make up your own mind!