Lily Tomlin, known for her role in the original 1980 comedy ‘9 to 5,’ recently shared her thoughts on Jennifer Aniston’s upcoming remake. Tomlin, who will soon be seen in the Netflix documentary ‘Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution,’ reflected on the evolution of the workplace since the iconic movie’s debut.
The chemistry among Tomlin, Dolly Parton, and Jane Fonda in the original film is still memorable, much like its catchy theme song. ‘9 to 5’ is not just a comedy but also a story about friendship and a lesson in feminism.
Tomlin mentioned that there were talks of a sequel with the original cast but explained that the script didn’t align with the modern work environment. “The draft just didn’t work for us. We couldn’t really see the work world today in the pages,” she said. The trio eventually decided not to pursue the sequel.
Regarding Jennifer Aniston’s remake, Tomlin expressed mixed feelings. “I felt sort of the same way I felt about the musical. You know, part of you feels rejected. You think that character’s yours always. And you could reembody it,” she said.
Tomlin acknowledged the challenges of capturing the essence of the original film in today’s vastly different workplace. “It’s going to be tough to make [the movie] happen. My sympathies are with Jennifer and her writer Diablo, who is a good writer,” Tomlin added.
Reflecting on her comedy career, Tomlin highlighted the importance of understanding people. She noted that female comedians faced limitations in the past, often relegated to topics like family and shopping.
However, Tomlin’s comedic genius shone through with characters like Ernestine and Edith Ann, showcasing a blend of absurdity and humanity.
Tomlin’s influence extends beyond comedy, with her work in LGBTQ+ advocacy. She discussed the changing perceptions towards the LGBTQ+ community and expressed pride in being part of that shift.
As she prepares for her role in ‘Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution,’ Tomlin looks back on her pioneering work and the impact of humor in driving social change.
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