Director Robert Townsend revealed that notable rappers Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion had contacted him about a possible B.A.P.S. remake.
Halle Berry and Natalie Desselle made the legendary movie iconic. The 1997 film envisioned two waitresses flying out to Los Angeles for a music video audition–hopefully using the money they raise for a combined salon and soul food spot. Desselle passed away in 2020, and ever since, there have been talks about bringing the film back in a new way.
While discussing the movie with Slash Film, Townsend said, “The thing that I would say is this: I’m a filmmaker. It’s a well-made movie,” . “And if you go on the ride and go, ‘Oh, it’s two country girls trying to make some money, and then they find who they are, and at the end of the day, they win. But it’s because they’re being honest and transparent.’ Do gold diggers or women that have ulterior motives exist? Yeah. These two country girls from Decatur, Georgia, got caught up in the scheme, but at the end of the day, we reveal their heart, and it’s a love story.”
He continued, “There’s people that love, love, love the film and some people that didn’t get it. And those that love it — like you love it and you get it — I’ve had people go, ‘Hey, we want to do a remake.’ Everybody from Megan Thee Stallion to Cardi B is like, ‘Could we do…’” Still, even with all of the excitement about an update, Townsend is unsure. “I mean, it’s like, I don’t know. So, thank you for asking.”
The filmmaker also appreciates that B.A.P.S. is still celebrated in today’s society, saying he would like to see the film a part of the Criterion Collection.
“It’s kind of interesting because some people love B.A.P.S., and then some people don’t like B.A.P.S., and some people are mad because they go, ‘You gave Halle Berry gold teeth and blonde hair.’ And I was like, ‘Yeah, I did,” he added.
One thing is for sure, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion would bring hip-hop swag to the movie, which it already embodies.
