Online sources are buzzing with news about the upcoming HBO Max reboot of Sex and the City called And Just Like That, which was confirmed January 10th. “The new Max Original series is based on the book, Sex and the City, by Candice Bushnell and the original TV series created by Darren Star,” a statement from WarnerMedia read, which is the parent company to HBO Max.
One of the biggest headlines is the possibility that Caitlyn Jenner may be featured in the reboot in an effort to make the new cast more inclusive.
This comes at the helm of past backlash about the original show’s lack of diversity, with a all-white, cis-gendered female cast. Even fans of the show have made comments about the lack of representation of people of color and LGBT+ communities. Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon would all resume their roles, but Kim Cattrall would not be rejoining the cast–who sources say actually declined to return for the reboot.
“Samantha isn’t coming back but we are introducing two new characters, strong and feisty women of color, who will help introduce the show to a new generation of viewers and more accurately reflect the world we live in,” said a source close to the show.
The reboot will not be replacing Cattrall with a new actress or series character. “We’re not looking to create a fourth character, we have New York City as a fourth character and it will be an interesting new character that we are excited about,” said Sex in the City star Sarah Jessica Parker.
On the topic of the original show’s white-centered cast, Parker reflected on how the original cast wouldn’t feel authentic in today’s society and climate.
“You couldn’t make it today because of the lack of diversity on screen. I personally think it would feel bizarre,” she told The Hollywood Reporter. “You’d look like you were generationally removed from reality, but it would be certainly interesting to see four diverse women experiencing NYC their way. It would be interesting and very worthwhile exploring, but it couldn’t be the same.”
An inside source revealed that producers behind the reboot are considering Caitlyn Jenner has a prime candidate in their pursuit of making the show more diverse than the original series.
“Caitlyn has been a media fixture in one way or another for going on 50 years,” the insider source told The Mirror. “She’s really perfect for an appearance. They want new faces for the show, but they want people viewers actually know and care about too.”
71 year old Jenner came out as transgendered back in 2015. Since, she has been continuing her gender transition. Jenner has yet to assert herself as spokesperson for the trans movement, partly because of her political beliefs. Although she may be a member of the LGBT+ community, she still identifies as Republican. She has stated that she felt she is too controversial because of her beliefs and wasn’t received with open arms into the trans community.
Jenner has had cameos in the entertainment industry in the past. Back in 1980, she appeared in the film Can’t Stop the Music as the character Ron White, a lawyer from St. Louis. She also appeared in the classic show CHiPs, as a brief replacement for lead star of the show Erik Estrada. Jenner has recently reentered the limelight with upcoming indie series Duke of the Valley, which is based on the memories of the late actor, comedian and businessman Dick Van Patten.
The spinoff will be a 10-episode 30 minute series that will be made later in 2021 with production starting in late spring. And Just Like That is said to focus on the original characters new reality, friendship and lives in their 50s.