Vanessa Williams recently shared her thoughts on the upcoming reboot of “Desperate Housewives,” in which she starred as Renee Perry for two seasons. At 62 years old, Williams, who joined the original cast at the age of 47, expressed her limited knowledge about the revival, now titled “Wisteria Lane,” which alludes to the original show’s iconic setting.
During a red carpet event at the Variety Club Awards, she noted, “I know as much as you because I’m reading it,” and confirmed she hadn’t been approached to reprise her role. Williams mentioned that Kerry Washington is involved in production and suggested that a younger cast is likely being considered for the reboot. She humorously remarked, “I’m sure they’re going for younger housewives, like we were 20 years ago!”
As she reflected on the emotional departures of some cast members from her current West End production of “The Devil Wears Prada,” Williams highlighted the challenges of such decisions and the excitement that comes with new opportunities. She stated, “It’s a gamble, you don’t know what’s going to happen in eight months time. But I’m excited for everything that’s coming their way.”
In her role as Renee, Williams portrayed a glamorous character who relocates to Wisteria Lane following her husband’s infidelity. The new series is expected to maintain a similar plot structure to the original, focusing on five women who navigate the complexities of friendship and secrets in their suburban neighborhood.
Despite the anticipation surrounding the reboot, the announcement has generated significant backlash among fans of the original series. Many took to social media to voice their disappointment, with comments emphasizing their love for the original cast, featuring stars like Teri Hatcher, Eva Longoria, and Felicity Huffman. Critics have questioned the necessity of a remake, with phrases like “the original is perfect” and “did we completely run out of original ideas?” echoing across platforms.
The original “Desperate Housewives,” which aired from 2004 to 2012, was a groundbreaking show during its time, earning numerous accolades, including 38 Emmy nominations. While no longer connected to the reboot, creator Marc Cherry previously suggested he felt the characters had been fully explored, contrasting with shows like “Sex and the City,” which had a shorter episode count.
The new adaptation is set to feature writers and producers who aim to bring a fresh perspective while maintaining the essence that made the original series a cultural phenomenon. Vanessa Williams’ insights into the casting and emotional landscape surrounding her current project further highlight the industry’s evolving dynamics, promising that her passion for theater and the arts will continue to flourish regardless of these transitions. The reboot holds potential for a new generation of viewers while igniting nostalgia for longtime fans.