Prime Video’s Cruel Intentions revitalizes the classic 1999 film, which itself is inspired by the 1782 novel Les Liaisons Dangereuses, transforming it into an enticing eight-episode series. The narrative immerses viewers in the lives of the manipulative students at Manchester College, a prestigious institution where ambition, deceit, and betrayal reign supreme. These characters, characterized by their deceptive tactics and ambitious scheming, are poised to become the influential leaders and politicians of tomorrow, embodying the cutthroat essence of power dynamics in a contemporary setting.

Cruel Intentions is brought to life by the talented showrunners Phoebe Fisher and Sara Goodman, who have previously made waves with Prime Video’s I Know What You Did Last Summer reboot. Fisher’s expertise is evident in her co-writing of the witty 2023 comedy, Down Low, while Goodman’s extensive background with young adult narratives shines through, particularly with her contributions to the iconic series Gossip Girl. This rich experience informs their approach to crafting a series filled with intrigue and manipulation, reminiscent of their past successes.

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ScreenRant had the opportunity to sit down with Fisher and Goodman to discuss their creative process surrounding Cruel Intentions. During this engaging conversation, they shared insights on how they adapted the original film’s themes, exploring the nuances of Les Liaisons Dangereuses and its various adaptations, including the lesser-known 1989 film Valmont. The showrunners expressed their excitement in amplifying the over-the-top depravity of their characters, while also drawing parallels to modern politics, suggesting that human nature has retained its essence from the 18th century to the present day.

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“Our Shared Sensibility: Embracing Irreverence and Taboo Themes”

Screen Rant: Hi! I stayed up late to binge-watch the entire series.

Sara Goodman: We’re absolutely thrilled!

Phoebe Fisher: So, what were your thoughts?

Oh wow! If my college experience mirrored this, I might have never left or perhaps would have been overwhelmed! Can you share the vibe you hope viewers will take away from the show?

Phoebe Fisher: It’s all about being ruthless, sexy, and fun. That’s the energy we’re bringing!

Can you walk us through what “day one” looked like in terms of developing and defining the vision for this project?

Sara Goodman: Once Phoebe and I committed to this project, we realized we both have a shared passion for irreverence and taboo themes. We wanted to incorporate humor amidst the drama, highlighting the twists and turns that accompany manipulation. Everything had to appear exclusive, to intrigue viewers about the world we were creating.

Phoebe Fisher: We aimed to create a show that reflects our current interests, hoping it resonates with audiences as well.

Showrunners Sara Goodman & Phoebe Fisher Discuss the Political Undertones in Cruel Intentions

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It’s so hilarious! If it weren’t so amusing, I would struggle to get through it. It’s astonishing how the most affluent and influential students choose someone utterly unqualified as President!

Sara Goodman: (Laughs) It’s hard to draw any real-life parallels, right?

Sara and Phoebe: (Sarcastically) Absolutely not!

Sara Goodman: We were truly ahead of our time.

Can you elaborate on the portrayal of the Congressman character? He seems to mirror the immaturity of his son’s peers, remaining unchanged despite his age.

Sara Goodman: He’s nostalgically reliving his glory days, right? Isn’t that the essence of it?

Phoebe Fisher: That’s what parent weekends encapsulate!

Sara Goodman: In a peculiar way, it reflects politics too. It’s a constant game of positioning, with individuals vying for favor and status. This dynamic is prevalent in both subcultures and college environments where reputation is paramount. We often overlook how entrenched these social constructs are in our society.

Creating characters who navigate this world, filled with humor, cunning, and a belief that rules don’t apply to them, mirrors the realities we face today.

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“Honoring the Original: Creating a New Chapter Without Alienating Fans”

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Can you share your thoughts on making a clean break from the original films, focusing on developing your unique tone and characterization?

Phoebe Fisher: We both have a strong admiration for the original source material, from Dangerous Liaisons to Cruel Intentions, and I enjoy including Valmont in that discussion as well. It was essential for us to create a fresh world that stands apart as its own unique narrative. The creative process was incredibly enjoyable.

Sara Goodman: Absolutely. The original film was groundbreaking and fun, and we infused it with vibes and Easter eggs for fans. We aimed to pay tribute without alienating the original audience, as we also cherish the movie. Now feels like the right time for a new interpretation, similar to how Cruel Intentions redefined Dangerous Liaisons.

Phoebe Fisher: Cruelty is indeed timeless.

Sara Goodman & Phoebe Fisher: Especially on television!

Explore Key Details About Cruel Intentions Season 1

Cruel Intentions centers around the elite students of Manchester College, situated near Washington, D.C. In this intense environment, reputation is paramount, where fraternities and sororities are regarded as the pinnacle of social status. The story revolves around two cunning step-siblings, Caroline Merteuil and Lucien Belmont, who will stop at nothing to maintain their grip on the ruthless social ladder. After a shocking hazing incident puts their Greek Life dominance at risk, they resort to extreme measures to protect their influence, including seducing Annie Grover, the daughter of the Vice President of the United States. As loyalties are tested, hearts are broken, and dark secrets emerge, viewers are invited into this contemporary royal court that is Manchester College.

Explore more of our exclusive Cruel Intentions interviews here: