Christina Ricci has been a mainstay in Hollywood for 30 years, breaking out due to The Addams Family movies of the 1990s. Perfecting the role to differentiate it from previous portrayals of the character, she is still synonymous with the character to this day, so it isn’t shocking that she will be appearing in Wednesday, a new show focusing on the character, coming to Netflix on November 23rd.
But Ricci is not the only actor who has appeared in a TV version of their movie. Throughout film history, numerous actors have stopped by the small screen to give a nod to their TV counterparts.
Ice Cube: Are We There Yet (2005)
Ice Cube is inarguably one of the greatest rappers of all time and his movie career, appropriately, began with more adult-orientated films. However, Are We There Yet? changed that, putting the actor in a fish-out-of-water role. It not only spawned a sequel but a sitcom that Cube produced himself, where Terry Crews took over his role from the original film.
Cube appeared in the show as the brother-in-law of his original character. The role made more sense, as it was a recurring role, allowing him to focus more on film roles. The show ran for 100 episodes, proving that people just happen to really like this series, whether it be in film or sitcom form.
Eileen Brennan / Hal Williams: Private Benjamin (1980)
Private Benjamin is often considered one of Goldie Hawn’s best films, with a hilarious script and great performances from both Hawn and Eileen Brennan, who was nominated for an Oscar. While Hawn was not back for the TV spin-off, Brennan and fellow film cast member, Hal Williams, did appear in the show, which only lasted three seasons on NBC.
In the show, Hawn was replaced by Airplane actress Lorna Patterson. Brennan was once again praised for her performance as Captain Doreen Lewis and won both an Emmy and a Golden Globe. However, the show never caught on like the movie and was canceled after 39 episodes.
Ewan McGregor / Hayden Christensen: Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)
When they originally came out, the prequel trilogy was viewed poorly compared to the original Star Wars films. However, time has been kind to those films, which are now more fondly remembered. When the Obi-Wan Kenobi series came to Disney+ in 2022, people were actually happy to see Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen return to the role.
Christensen was particularly criticized for his roles in the original films, which hurt his career as a result. The praise he got for this work is a redemption arc for the man who may be able to redeem his former glory as a star and the show was very popular, continuing Disney+’s hot streak.
Vic Tayback: Alice (1976 – 1985)
Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore was a huge success, being nominated for multiple Oscars and becoming an early success for director Martin Scorsese. The film got a much lighter sitcom adaptation, simply called Alice, two years later, however, diner owner Mel was still played by Vic Tayback in the show.
The original movie dealt with some more serious subjects, such as abuse, that would not have been viewed as well in a TV show. It did allow Tayback to expand upon his character, however, and that went very well, winning him both an Emmy and Golden Globe.
Ray Walston / Vincent Schiavelli: Fast Times (1986)
Fast Times At Ridgemont High is one of the most iconic films of the 1980s, noted for an all-star cast and a script that launched Cameron Crowe into stardom. What is less known is the TV show based on the film that lasted only seven episodes. While the film could totally get updated, it should not be anything like this.
Only Ray Walston and Vincent Schiavelli appeared in both the film and the show. While both were wonderful actors, they were not the appeal of the original film, which was mostly its young and talented cast. In addition, the R-rated film did not work well in prime time, causing it to become a shell of what the film was.
Shannen Doherty: Heathers (2018)
One of the more controversial films, Heathers has remained a popular cult classic due to its overall weirdness. A reboot was made in 2018 but canceled due to its content being far too controversial. However, Shannen Doherty, one of the stars of the original film, does make a couple of cameos in the show.
Doherty was one of the Heathers in the original film, but appeared as both a doctor and a dead mother in this show. The original film launched her into stardom and while she was not still a huge star by the show’s conception, her appearance was welcomed by fans.
Numerous Cast Members: Clueless (1996 – 1999)
Clueless continues to be a highly quoted film from the ’90s that is perfect for a nostalgic sleepover. Its success led to a TV show spin-off and while star Alicia Silverstone did not return, Stacey Dash and Wallace Shawn both had starring roles. Numerous other cast members, like Paul Rudd and the late Brittany Murphy, also appeared in guest roles.
The show was somewhat successful, having a run of three seasons on ABC and UPN. While it did not have the impact of the film, its existence is still a neat little novelty for fans of the show. It also gives more insight into the pop culture of the ’90s, which justifies looking it up.
The Entire Cast: Wet Hot American Summer: First Day Of Camp (2015)
While it basically made no money when it first came out in 2001, Wet Hot American Summer has since gone on to become a cult classic. Its cast was huge and featured some people who went on to become huge names in Hollywood. Shockingly, when a prequel show came out years later, nearly the entire cast came back.
Seeing all the huge names back in roles they played years ago is enough to make people want to check the limited series out. They even got some newer stars, like Jon Hamm, to appear as well. It is simply a fun show based on a fun movie, and the existence of both is quite remarkable.
Megan Cavanaugh / Tracy Reiner: A League Of Their Own (1993)
The current show based on A League Of Their Own is a fresh and very quotable take on the film, giving it a modern edge to keep it interesting for today’s audience. The 1993 show, however, worked as a direct tie-in to the film and had stars like Megan Cavanaugh and Tracy Reiner reprise their roles.
The show was widely unsuccessful, with only six episodes being made before the show was canceled. In reality, these characters had their story told and there wasn’t a lot of interest in seeing more. That is what hurt the series the most and what the current show makes sure to avoid.
Rosie O’Donnell: A League Of Their Own (2022)
The current League Of Their Own series deals with issues that the original did not touch, such as historical racism in the nation’s pastime, as well as the closeted nature of LGBTQ+ people during the 1940s. In showing this, the show features a lesbian bar run by Rosie O’Donnell herself.
O’Donnell was a huge part of the original film, so seeing her get this sort of tribute is wonderful for fans. Her appearance here helps set the tone of the show that is not trying to be a carbon copy of a great movie, but a great series that can stand on its own.
