6 min read
Jennifer Aniston is set to breathe new life into the 1980 comedy classic 9 to 5, and she’s pulling out all the stops to make sure the remake is as iconic as the original.
The beloved film, which starred Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin, told the story of three women who band together to take down their sexist and egotistical boss.
Now, Aniston is assembling a powerhouse cast of next-generation talent to bring the film into the modern era, and the excitement is palpable.
Keep reading for details!
Since its release over four decades ago, 9 to 5 has remained a cultural touchstone, tackling workplace discrimination, gender inequality, and female empowerment with humor and charm. The original film resonated with audiences worldwide and has only grown more relevant as conversations about gender dynamics in the workplace continue to evolve.
Aniston’s decision to revisit the film signals her dedication to bringing these issues back into the limelight but with a contemporary twist. Aniston, who first announced the project in 2024, is reportedly not only producing the film but also starring in it.
With her extensive Hollywood experience and history of playing strong, independent female leads, she seems like the perfect person to lead this project. But she’s not doing it alone—she has her eyes set on some of the biggest names in the industry to join her.
According to sources close to the production, Aniston is actively pursuing three high-profile actresses to fill the roles originally played by Fonda, Tomlin, and Parton. Those actresses? Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, and Ariana Grande.
If she secures even one of these stars, the project is guaranteed to generate major buzz. “With another season of The Morning Show wrapped up, Jen is focused on getting her 9 to 5 remake off the ground, and it’s looking increasingly like she will not only produce but also star in the film,” a source told Life & Style.
The insider added, “The script is looking strong, and Jen is now turning her attention to recruiting next-generation talent. There’s only a handful of names on her list that can add to the momentum of the project.”
Each of these actresses would bring something fresh to the film. Zendaya, known for her powerful performances in Euphoria and Dune, is one of the most sought-after talents in Hollywood today.
Sydney Sweeney, who has made waves with Euphoria and The White Lotus, is another rising star with undeniable charisma. And Ariana Grande, who has successfully transitioned from pop sensation to Hollywood actress with her upcoming role in Wicked, would be a nostalgic yet exciting choice.
While the star-studded lineup sounds like a dream, there’s one major roadblock: scheduling. With Zendaya and Sydney Sweeney’s packed schedules and Ariana Grande’s music and film commitments, aligning their availability could prove difficult. Aniston, however, is determined to make it happen.
“Sydney and Zendaya are heavily booked for the next twelve months, and Jen wants to make this movie next year if she can,” the source continued. “The 9 to 5 remake isn’t technically greenlit yet, but getting a ‘yes’ from one of these actresses is a key step in moving the project forward.”
Hollywood is no stranger to casting challenges, but with Aniston’s persistence and industry influence, it’s likely she’ll secure a dream team sooner rather than later.
One of the key challenges in remaking 9 to 5 is adapting its themes for a modern audience. Workplace sexism and discrimination remain pressing issues, but the corporate landscape has changed drastically since 1980.
Remote work, social media, and the #MeToo movement have shifted the way we discuss and address workplace dynamics. Tomlin, who starred in the original film, acknowledged this challenge when she and Fonda were asked about the reboot.
“It’s a hard nut to crack because the issues are somewhat different,” Tomlin told Variety. Fonda added, “There’s still the undercurrent of the same kind of negativity towards women … these are not easy-to-solve issues. But we’re eager to see what they do.”
A modern 9 to 5 could incorporate themes of digital surveillance in the workplace, wage gaps in tech industries, and the intersectionality of race, gender, and economic status. The film has the potential to be both a hilarious and insightful take on contemporary struggles that working women face today.

Before diving into what the remake could bring, let’s take a moment to appreciate the impact of the original film.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 9 to 5 premieres, starring Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin. |
| 1982 | A TV sitcom adaptation of 9 to 5 debuts but runs for only five seasons. |
| 2009 | 9 to 5: The Musical, featuring music by Dolly Parton, hits Broadway. |
| 2022 | The documentary Still Working 9 to 5 is released, chronicling the film’s impact. |
| 2024 | Jennifer Aniston announces plans for a remake. |
While the film has yet to receive an official green light from a studio, Aniston’s dedication to the project suggests that it’s only a matter of time before it moves into production. If she can secure her dream cast and lock in a director, we could see the remake hit theaters as soon as 2026.
Given the star power behind the project, the 9 to 5 remake has the potential to be one of the biggest films of the decade. With Aniston at the helm and a new generation of female powerhouses potentially joining her, this modern adaptation could redefine workplace comedies for years to come.
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