Yahoo Finance Everything we know about the Sex and the City revival And Just Like That
And just like that, more Sex and the City is on the way.
HBO Max is working on a revival of the beloved HBO hit, titled And Just Like That and featuring original cast members Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis, and Cynthia Nixon — but noticeably not Kim Cattrall. What can fans of the original series expect? Here's what we know about the revival so far.
When does the Sex and the City revival premiere and how can I watch?
And Just Like That began shooting in New York in late spring. Ten episodes of the half-hour series will air exclusively on HBO Max, with the first two premiering Thursday, Dec. 9. The streaming service finally released the first official trailer at the end of November.
What is And Just Like That about?
The dramedy will follow the beloved characters Carrie Bradshaw (Parker), Miranda Hobbs (Nixon), and Charlotte York (Davis), now in their 50s, as they explore the complicated realities of life and friendship. The streamer hasn't confirmed whether the series will pick up after the events of both big-screen adaptations or if it will take place in an alternate timeline.
Parker recently gave insight into what life will be like for the trio when they return, confirming they'll be addressing the coronavirus pandemic. COVID-19 will "obviously be part of the story line, because that's the city [these characters] live in," Parker told Vanity Fair. "And how has that changed relationships once friends disappear? I have great faith that the writers are going to examine it all."
She added, "I think that Cynthia, Kristin, and I are all excited about the time that has passed. You know, who are they in this world now? Have they adapted? What part have they played? Where have they fallen short as women, as friends, and how are they finding their way? Did they move with momentum? Are they like some people who are confused, threatened, nervous [by what's happening in the world]? I'm so curious and excited to see how the writers imagine these women today."
What happened to Samantha?
When HBO Max announced the Sex and the City revival, one name from the original fab four was missing: Kim Cattrall. This was no surprise to fans who have heard Cattrall explain multiple times her lack of interest in reprising the role of Samantha Jones.
Candace Bushnell, the author of the book Sex and the City, which inspired the Darren Star created-series, told Page Six that the writers of And Just Like That have plenty of ideas to explore sexuality through various characters.
When Parker's good friend Andy Cohen hosted Jennifer Coolidge on Watch What Happens Live, he threw out the idea that she could "replace" Cattrall. Coolidge, who played a small role in one episode of the HBO series, told Cohen she doesn't "see anyone being able to replace [Cattrall] in that part."
What other former cast members will return to the series?
In addition to the aforementioned trio confirming their participation in the series and their titles as executive producers alongside Michael Patrick King, most of the men in their characters' lives will be back. Chris Noth, David Eigenberg, Evan Handler, Willie Garson, and Mario Cantone are all confirmed to reappear in the roles of Mr. Big, Steve Brady, Harry Goldenblatt, Stanford Blatch, and Anthony Marentino, respectively. Julie Halston will also reprise her socialite character Bitsy Von Muffling, but there's been no word yet on if Nathan Lane, who played Bitsy's partner Bobby, will join her.
Garson, who played Carrie's best gay friend, died of pancreatic cancer in September while shooting was underway. Nixon confirmed on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert that Stanford will appear in the first three episodes of And Just Like That. However, in a recent interview with The New York Times, King said Garson's death was not written into the show "because it wasn't charming. And I knew that the audience would know."
And while it has not been officially confirmed, actress Bridget Moynahan — who had a memorable turn as Natasha, the second wife of Mr. Big in the original HBO series — also appears to be back, having been spotted on the And Just Like That set in July.
Gotham/GC Images Bridget Moynahan on the set of 'And Just Like That'
Meanwhile, Jennifer Hudson, who starred in the first Sex and the City movie, also expressed interest in returning to the franchise as big-city dreamer Louise from St. Louis. "I hope so! That would be cool. I'm down," she told Entertainment Tonight about reprising the role.
Who will be joining the series as new characters?
The first new cast member announced for the show was Sara Ramírez (Grey's Anatomy), who will play queer, nonbinary stand-up comedian and podcaster Che Diaz. The host, who uses they/them pronouns, often hosts Carrie, a sex and relationship writer, on their very popular podcast, which showcases their outrageous sense of humor and progressive view of gender roles. They've been described as a big presence with a big heart.
Paul Archuleta/Getty Images; Karwai Tang/WireImage; Steve Granitz/WireImage Nicole Ari Parker, Sarita Choudhury, and Karen Pittman
Months later, HBO Max revealed that Nicole Ari Parker (Empire), Sarita Choudhury (Marvel's Jessica Jones), and Karen Pittman (The Morning Show) were also joining the cast. The former will play a documentarian named Lisa Todd Wexley, who also happens to be a Park Avenue mother of three. Choudhury will appear as Seema Patel, a single, self-made powerhouse Manhattan real estate broker. And Pittman will play Dr. Nya Wallace, who's described as brilliant yet challenging Columbia law professor. Playing Wexley's husband, Herbert, is Hamilton alum Christopher Jackson, while Wallace's husband, Andre, will be played by LeRoy McClain (Respect). There is no word yet on how they factor into the lives of Carrie, Miranda, and Charlotte.
Even more of a mystery is the new character George, played by Isaac Powell (Modern Love). Again it is unclear how he is involved with the rest of the characters, but similar to Diaz, the Fashion Institute of Technology student is unconstrained by gender norms, especially in fashion. George is said to possess both a calm demeanor and a self-processed energy that's beyond his young age.
Filling out more supporting roles are Emmy winner Brenda Vaccaro, as Mr. Big's secretary, Gloria Marquette, and Ivan Hernandez (Devious Maids), who plays Franklyn, a sound engineer on the podcast Carrie guests on.
The biggest question though, stemming from more set photos released in October, is who is the mystery man played by Jon Tenney, and why does it look like he is about to kiss married woman Carrie Bradshaw in public?
James Devaney/GC Images Sarah Jessica Parker and Jon Tenney on the set of 'And Just Like That'
In total, the newcomers to the SATC universe further reflect what HBO chief Casey Bloys told TV Line earlier this year about Parker and King not wanting "to tell a story with all-white writers or an all-white cast," and the creators "being very, very conscious about understanding that [the show's] New York has to reflect the way New York looks today."
How about the children? Are the same kids playing them?
While Charlotte's two daughters and Miranda's son are not new characters, the new show will have three new actors playing them. Photos from the set in July show the York-Goldenblatt sisters all grown up, with Cathy Ang (Over the Moon) playing Charlotte's eldest daughter, Lily, who she and Harry adopted from China in the Sex and the City series finale, after they struggled with fertility issues. Meanwhile baby Rose, who was conceived in the first film, will be played by Alexa Swinton (Billions).
James Devaney/GC Image Evan Handler, Kristin Davis, and Mario Cantone on the set of 'And Just Like That'
Finally, Brady Hobbes, Miranda and Steve's son who was last played by Joseph Pupo and said to be in grade school during the second film, will now be played by Life In Pieces actor Niall Cunningham. Given that he's now a young adult, Brady will also have a girlfriend on the show, played by Cree Ciccino (Mr. Iglesias).
HBO; Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images Joseph Pupo as Brady Hobbes on 'Sex and the City' and Niall Cunningham as Brady on 'And Just Like That'
Who will write and direct the show?
From the credits that have been released, creator King was joined by Samantha Irby, Keli Goff, Rachna Fruchbom, and writer duo Julie Rottenberg and Elisa Zuritsky. King also sat in the directing chair for the first three episodes. Directing two episodes each are Obivious Child filmmaker Gillian Robespierre, Anu Valia (The Other Two, Never Have I Ever), and Nisha Ganatra (Late Night).
Filling that final director's slot is Nixon, pulling double duty. The star celebrated with an Instagram caption that said, "It's been a complete dream to work with my beloved co-stars and crew in this new role. I have truly never felt so supported in my life. (And don't worry, Miranda is still going to be in the episode — it was surreal to do both at once!)"
Costar Davis showed support on her Instagram story, saying it was a "thrill" to be directed by Nixon. "Effortless and insightful and exciting all at once. Hopefully the first of many."
Can we expect the same iconic fashion from the cast?
While Carrie famously fled the City of Lights at the conclusion of Sex and the City, it seems the show's costume designer Patricia Field is still stuck there. The style icon has forgone taking part in the revival because she is hard at work on season 2 of Netflix's Emily in Paris. "I told them to call my very dear friend Molly Rogers, who also worked in my store back in the day," Field told WWD. "She did Sex and the City with me from start to finish. She knew it well so she's doing it. My dance card was full."
Any more ideas on what it will look like?
HBO Max Cynthia Nixon, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kristin Davis in 'And Just Like That'
At the beginning of July, HBO Max finally unveiled the first look at And Just Like That, and just like that it became a meme. While the image invoked that same delight of seeing Miranda, Carrie, and Charlotte fashionably strutting down a Manhattan street, it also left room for people on the internet to Photoshop in people who could fill the void Samantha's absence has left.
Where can I watch the original Sex and the City?
All six seasons of Sex and the City are available to stream on HBO Max. Both SATC movies can be found on Netflix.
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