Jane Fonda Says She’s Working On A ‘9 To 5’ Sequel With Dolly Parton And Lily Tomiln
It's been almost 40 years since the original came out!
Break out the briefcase and power suit because the ladies of “9 to 5” are going back to work!
To fans’ delight, Jane Fonda confirmed Wednesday that a follow-up to the classic 1980 workplace comedy is in the works. Even better: All three of the film’s original stars — Fonda, her “Grace & Frankie” co-star Lily Tomlin and country legend Dolly Parton — are on board for the sequel.
“My involvement is an executive producer and together with Lily, we’re working with the writers,” Fonda said during a Television Critics Association press tour for the new HBO documentary “Jane Fonda in Five Acts.” “Right now, Dolly, Lily and I are all intending to be in it.”
The long-awaited sequel will, of course, have some updates. Fonda recognizes that a lot has changed since “9 to 5” was released nearly four decades ago, and she intends for the new movie to reflect those changes. The “9 to 5” follow-up will explore the ways technology has affected workplace dynamics, as well as dig into conversations around the wage gap and sexual harassment in the #MeToo era, Fonda told Entertainment Weekly.
“I’m sorry to say the situation is worse today,” Fonda told Entertainment Weekly. “Today, a lot of the workforce [is] hired by an outside company, so if there’s a problem, who do you complain to? Who do you fight with?”
The seven-time Oscar nominee added, “I do think sexual harassment will tend to drop. Guys are scared.”
But even with the modern-age updates, fans can expect the core message of “9 to 5” to stay the same in the impending sequel — that is, if the trio’s 2017 Emmy Awards entrance speech is any indication.
While presenting the award for best-supporting actor in a limited series or movie, Fonda, Tomlin and Parton took the opportunity to comment on the current political climate: “Back in 1980 in ‘9 to 5,’ we refused to be controlled by a sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot,” Fonda said.
To which Tomlin added, “And in 2017, we still refused to be controlled by a sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot.”
Are you excited for the second installment of this unforgettable comedy?
