The Grease spinoff series, originally slated to premiere on HBO Max, gets a new title and will launch on Paramount’s streaming service. Released in 1978, Paramount struck a high note with the adaptation of the Grease Broadway musical for the big screen. Starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, Grease - and the soundtrack album - became a global smash hit. Last year, HBO Max announced it had ordered a live-action musical spinoff of Grease, titled Grease: Rydell High. Now it appears Paramount is reclaiming one of its most popular properties to add to a slate that includes the Grease prequel film Summer Lovin’.
Per Variety, Paramount’s streaming service, Paramount Plus, is the new home of the hour-long musical comedy series Grease: The Rise of the Pink Ladies. Created by Annabel Oakes, Rise of the Pink Ladies will focus on the origin story of the titular gang (composed of Sandy, Rizzo, Jan, Marty, and Frenchy in the original film) and how they permanently altered the halls of Rydell High.
Expected to feature new and original songs, Pink Ladies is forbidden from using the tunes “Greased Lightning” or “Summer Nights”, as the rights are being withheld by the estate representing composers Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey. As it stands, Paramount Plus will launch early next year.
Musical lovers itching for a regular dose of song and dance should delight at the concept of a spinoff from one of the most popular musicals of all time. Of course, a critical landing point of Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies will be the cast tapped to portray the eponymous group. Currently, character details are under wraps, and it remains to be seen if original Grease characters will be featured in the spinoff series. The musical series Grease: The Rise of the Pink Ladies could become a flagship offering for Paramount Plus.
Source: Variety