A remake of ‘Little Women’ is in the works

Here is some exciting news: There is a new “Little Women” movie currently in production! Yes, us Louisa May Alcott fans now have another chance to soak in the wisdom, wit and powerful love of the March sisters, all thanks to a new adaption of the book coming to us from Sony’s Columbia Pictures.

Oh, and it gets even better. This new adaption will be directed by none other than two-time Academy Award nominee Greta Gerwig. She is shaping up an all-star cast for the remake, including stars from her beloved 2017 hit, “Ladybird”‘s Saoirse Ronan (Jo) and Timothée Chalamet (Laurie), as well as Emma Stone (Meg) and Florence Pugh (Amy). The role of Beth is still being cast.

Oh, and Meryl Streep. Yes, the incomparable Meryl Streep will play the role of Aunt March —the crotchety spinster to whom Jo reads for interminable hours, all in hopes of being chosen to be her companion for a trip to Europe.

Now, some people were surprised that Streep was chosen to play Aunt March instead of Marmee, who is the family matriarch and arguably a bigger role. (In the 1994 adaption, Marmee was played beautifully and memorably by Susan Sarandon).

However, don’t be fooled into thinking that Streep was shortchanged. In fact, it seems that she chose this role.

“Meryl Streep gets to play any part she wants to play,” said Robin Swicord, who penned the script for the 1994 “Little Women” remake and is now producing the Gerwig adaption.

This remake is going to focus less on the childhood exploits of the March sisters, and more on their young-adult years, Swicord explained. This could mean that Aunt March has a much bigger role, and it also means that the material is a bit more grown-up.

“It’s very adult and interesting and thoughtful … and, of course, given the material, it’s always going to be romantic,” said Swicord.

The movie is expected to be released in fall 2019, and we’re already excited!