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?