Bride Wars Gets a Modern TV Reboot Starring Emma Roberts: Everything to Expect From the Upcoming Series

Bride Wars Returns: The Rom-Com Classic Gets a Contemporary TV Series Makeover

Few romantic comedies have ignited as much debate and enduring pop culture memory as Bride Wars. Now, this explosive bridal rivalry is about to get a new lease on life, as the beloved but divisive comedy is being reimagined for television, with powerhouse talent Emma Roberts set to star and executive produce.

From Silver Screen Hit to Small Screen Reinvention

The original Bride Wars broke through box office expectations, raking in over $155 million with its wild premise: two inseparable best friends, played by Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson, ferociously competing to host their dream weddings at New York’s legendary Plaza Hotel—on the same day. Despite a storm of negative reviews and a harsh 10% Rotten Tomatoes critic score, the movie resonated with audiences, earning cult status and igniting countless debates about frenemies.

Now, the story is getting a fresh twist. The upcoming TV adaptation, currently in development for Peacock, promises to be more than just a remake; it’s described as a ‘loose reimagining’ that pivots away from the metropolitan Manhattan catfights and sets up new dramatic battlegrounds in a close-knit North Carolina town.

Emma Roberts Takes the Lead—And Control

Emma Roberts isn’t just bringing her signature charm to the lead role; she’s investing her creative vision as executive producer via Belletrist Productions. Roberts, known for her standout performances in American Horror Story and recent credits like Tell Me Lies, is at the center of this new take, portraying a savvy city wedding planner who lands in a small town and finds herself locked in a hilarious and heartfelt tug-of-war with a beloved local rival. As the two planners clash over the same wedding, the drama escalates into a broader clash over friendship, acceptance, and the shifting priorities of love and community.

What’s especially exciting is the writing team: Emmy nominee Sascha Rothchild, lauded for her work on GLOW, is penning and executive producing the series. Her experience blending sharp humor with emotional undertones bodes well for modernizing the material and making the characters more relatable—and likable—than ever.

Why Revisit Bride Wars Now?

While the original film was a sleeper hit with audiences, its harsh reception from critics spotlighted issues with tired tropes and character likability. The new series aims to address these faults head-on. Relocating the action to North Carolina not only refreshes the visual palette but also brings new cultural dynamics into play: the tension between city sophistication and small-town warmth, the role of community in celebrations, and the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in traditionally tight-knit environments.

The decision to center the show around wedding planners—rather than the brides themselves—signals a nuanced look at the pressures, joys, and rivalries in the event industry. Expect cameos and nods to the original cast, but with more room for character depth and ensemble storytelling.

Bride Wars Legacy: Past and Present

It’s not the first time Bride Wars has inspired adaptations; there was even a Chinese remake in 2015, highlighting its global appeal. The core conflict—balancing personal ambitions with relationships, all under the extreme pressure of a wedding—remains universally resonant. Fans of the original can look forward to familiar chaos, but the show’s creative team seems poised to explore contemporary issues of female friendship and competition with fresh eyes.

As Roberts continues filming major projects and juggling creative roles behind the scenes, industry watchers are curious to see if this reimagining will capture a new legion of fans and redefine what a modern rom-com series can be.