Some films feature timeless stories that are easily adapted for whatever decade you live in. But others are such a product of their time, they serve almost like time capsules that showcase the world at a very specific moment in history. The idea of remaking, rebooting, or sequelizing one of those films seems almost silly. With that in mind, the people who hold the rights to “Easy Rider” have just announced their plans to remake the classic 1969 film.
According to Variety, the rights holders to the classic counterculture film, “Easy Rider,” which includes Kodiak Pictures, Defiant Studios, and the Jean Boulle Group, are now on the hunt for writers and directors who are interested in taking Dennis Hopper’s film and updating it for the current time. Yes, this seems ludicrous at first glance, as “Easy Rider” is a film that was released at the perfect time, made by the exact right people.
Released in 1969, “Easy Rider” told the story of two bikers on a journey through the American South and Southwest. The film is probably best known for capturing the era perfectly, showcasing the counterculture movement and how society was evolving as the “free love” era of the ‘60s was coming to an end. “Easy Rider” is also remembered for how honest and real it is in its depiction of the time, with its independent filmmaking and incredible cast that includes Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper, and a young Jack Nicholson.
“Our goal is to build upon the counterculture and freedom narrative the original left us with, and give the youth of today a film that pays serious attention to their own countercultures and challenges,” producer Maurice Fadida said. “What the young viewers of today are experiencing in their everyday lives may seem crazy to older generations, but it can very well become the societal norm, as was the case with the cultural shift of the late 1960s. We are hoping to play a part in that shift.”
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It’s clear the people in charge of the rights are looking to update the narrative for a modern-day retelling. What does that look like? Your guess is as good as mine. The idea of fringe biker culture is not even close to relevant nowadays. And if the film doesn’t follow bikers, why would you even call it “Easy Rider?” Again, this is pure speculation, but updating the original film seems like a really tricky prospect, to say the least.
But hey, let’s not write this off purely based on what it looks like on paper. With the right filmmakers involved, this could be a perfectly fine idea. We’ll just have to wait and see who signs up.