The Breakfast Clubis a 1985 cult classic by John Hughes, which focuses on five completelydifferent high schoolerswho are under detention on a Saturday. AsKaia Placa statesin her article, this film has “just the right amount of sentimentality to leave a sweet taste in your mouth without overwhelming you with kitsch”. That is probably whyThe Breakfast Clubis still being discussed and watched. Interestingly, it is one iconic film that has become a timeless piece loved by different generations. There have been many debates about whether there should be a remake of this classic or not. In fact, both Judd Nelson and Molly Ringwald, who played the roles of John and Claire, respectively, have stated that aremake ofThe Breakfast Clubwould not workfor different reasons.
That being said,The Breakfast Clubmight benefit from a remake as the film does carry some toxic portrayals.Ringwald has explicitly statedthat the manner in which John “sexually harasses Claire throughout the film” is quite troubling. So, a remake will be able to correct these errors. The question is, who should be playing who.
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Carl Reed - Christian Bale
Carl’s character might not make many appearances in the film, but the brief screen time he has allows him to prove how he is one understanding persona. Played by John Kapelos, Carl is the janitor of the high school and is seemingly the only adult who is able to understand how these teenagers feel. He seems to be well aware of everybody’s troubles and secrets and is representative of a fly on the wall. Carl’s friendship with Brian is definitely beautiful as it allows Carl’s more caring side to be focused on. The most significant element about Carl is that he is the foil of Richard Vernon, the authoritative vice principal who is the main antagonist of the film.Christian Balemight have portrayed some psychopaths and villainous roles in the past, but he has also proved to be one actor who is able to tap into the more kind and more understanding side of a person. Given the resemblance between Carl’s facial features and Bale’s own features, he might be an ideal actor to take over the role.
Richard Vernon - Ralph Fiennes
Played by Paul Gleason, Vernon is the king of bullies. He seems to be gaining much joy by controlling the high schoolers. Throughout the film, it is made obvious that Vernon is not only an authoritative person, but he is also malevolent. The way in which he locks up John and threatens him shows how he is abusing his power to torture these teenagers. What’s more, is that Vernon seems to be breaking rules himself to ensure these students suffer. All is done to forcefully gain respect. Given thatRalph Fiennesis one brilliant actor who can perfectly capture the cold-hearted nature of villains, he might be the perfect Richard Vernon. Interestingly, Fiennes is well-known for his role as Voldemort in theHarry Potterseries where he has to bully a high schooler. On top of that, his portrayal of Chef Slowik inThe Menuproves that he is able to turn off his humane emotions and take over cold features. Thus, Fiennes will be able to create a much more powerful and dictatorial Richard Vernon.
Allison - Stephanie Hsu
Allison, considered a “basket case”, is portrayed as a social misfit. She hides her face under her hair, dresses in black and seems to be quite dark. As the film progresses, it is revealed that Allison did not get detention and the only reason she was there was because she had nothing else to do. Due to the fact that her parents ignore her, Allison attempts to run away and hence, her bag is filled with clothes and numerous other stuff. Interestingly, this particular character does not talk at the beginning but slowly starts making conversation. It is unfortunate to see her being transformed into the “ideal female” at the end of the film just so Andre can notice her. She wasplayed by Ally Sheedy, who does a wonderful job of capturing Allison’s “quirkiness”. Perhaps,Stephanie Hsuwould be able to do a brilliant job in taking over Allison’s character, as she has already proved a rebel of sorts inEverything Everywhere All At Once. Hsu is an underrated actor who is definitely able to take over any challenging role.
Andrew - Tom Holland
Andrew is an “athlete” and thus, the typical high school jock. His bullying of another “weak” boy is why he was given detention. However, he reveals that the only reason why he is a bully is to get his father’s approval who, himself, is abusive towards Andrew.Tom Hollandwould make the perfect Andrew in a modern remake due to many reasons. Holland has already portrayed ahigh schooler in theSpider-Manseries. Thus, the kind nature of Peter Parker can be easily transferred to his rendition of Andrew. As for the jock part, Holland is already known for films likeCherryandUnchartered. These films have allowed Holland to take over physically strong characters, which can also be converted to the physical strength of Andrew. Andrew was originally played by Emilio Estevez.
Claire - Anya Taylor-Joy
Originally played by Molly Ringwald, Claire is the “princess” or the typical popular high school girl. She is very much focused on her looks and her “prim and proper” persona, and she comes from a wealthy background. However, similar to the other four, Claire also has a troublesome relationship with her parents. Throughout the film, she seems to be developing a complicated relationship with John, and they end up together at the end. Unfortunately, this relationship itself is quite toxic as John is constantly making her uncomfortable.Anya Taylor-Joymight be able to do justice to Claire by adding ina more feminist lensto the character. Taylor-Joy has already played several strong female leads who have stood up to their male bullies. Additionally, her looks and mannerisms will be able to capture Claire’s seemingly put-together persona.
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Brian - Lucas Hedges
Brian comes off as the perfect A-star student who is academically overachieving. However, he himself is seen struggling with his own strengths as he is unable to pass “shop”. Played by Anthony Michael Hall, Brian is the “brain” of the group. The reason why Brian is in detention is that he was trying to take his own life using a “flare gun” as he is failing shop. Fortunately, the group allows Brian to be vulnerable and actually enjoy his detention. He ends up being the narrator of the film and the one who is portrayed as the character with the biggest heart.Lucas Hedgeswould be the ideal Brian simply because he has already played an innocent sweet boy inLady Bird. His shy-looking features will allow him to easily win the audience’s hearts.
John - Austin Butler
The “criminal” of the group, John is perhaps the one with the harshest family life. This has forced him to “toughen up” which also results in him hurting others. John is constantly at war with Vernon, and for good reason. He is one character who is bullied by adults and thus, the viewers instantly feel sympathetic toward him. Yet again, the way in which he assaults Claire and hurts others like Brian makes the viewers feel disgusted by some of his actions. Thus, Judd Nelson was able to create a complicated relationship between John and the audience. Given thatAustin Butlerhas already proved his ability to take up challenging roles through his portrayal ofElvis Presley inElvishe might be able to perfectly balance the lovable/hate-able character of John.
