Netflix has officially set its sights on a beloved British coming-of-age story, confirming a pilot order for a new adaptation of Louise Rennison's Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging. The 1999 novel, which spawned a ten-book series chronicling the hilarious and chaotic life of teenager Georgia Nicolson, previously inspired the 2008 cult classic film Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging, starring a young Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
The streaming giant's move comes on the heels of its massive success with literary adaptations. Currently, East of Eden, a sweeping take on John Steinbeck's 1952 family saga, is dominating the platform's global charts, pulling in 6.5 million views in its first four days. That show, led by Florence Pugh, has proven that audiences are hungry for fresh takes on beloved books. Now, Netflix is betting that Rennison's irreverent, diary-style narrative will resonate just as strongly with a new generation.
The original film, directed by Gurinder Chadha of Bend It Like Beckham fame, became a touchstone for teens in the late 2000s. It followed Georgia as she navigated crushes, friendship drama, and the titular feline chaos, with Taylor-Johnson playing the object of her affection, Robbie. The movie also featured Georgia Groome and Eleanor Tomlinson, and its blend of awkward humor and heartfelt moments earned it a devoted following.
For the Netflix adaptation, a stellar creative team has been assembled. Monica Heisey, known for her work on Schitt's Creek, Workin' Moms, and Smothered, is writing the pilot. British director Jim O'Hanlon, whose credits include Catastrophe and The Punisher, is attached to direct. Jon Jennings, a producer on Breeders, is producing, with Sam Leifer, who worked on Plebs and How to Build a Girl, executive producing.
The hunt is now on to cast the new Ace Gang, the group of friends at the heart of Georgia's adventures. Fans of the book will be eager to see how the adaptation handles the novel's distinctive voice, which is told entirely through Georgia's diary entries, full of invented words and laugh-out-loud observations about the perils of being a teenager.
Netflix's commitment to this project signals a continued investment in nostalgic properties with built-in fan bases. The streamer has seen success with similar reboots and adaptations, and this one has the potential to capture both those who grew up with the book and a fresh audience discovering Georgia's world for the first time. As the project moves forward, all eyes will be on casting announcements and production updates.
While no release date has been set, the pilot order is a significant step. For those who missed the original film, it's worth checking out the 2008 version to get a sense of the story's charm. And for fans of literary adaptations, the upcoming series promises to be a delightful addition to Netflix's growing slate. Stay tuned for more details as this project develops.
