October 12, 2023
More 'AbFab' on the Way? Jennifer Saunders Accepts the Challenge
Kilian Melloy READ TIME: 2 MIN.
Is there still more to the story of Edina Monsoon and her bestie, the champagne-swilling Patsy? Get ready to find out, sweetie darlings: Jennifer Saunders has committed to writing new "Absolutely Fabulous" material, accepting a challenge from creative collaborator Dawn French to at least get a first draft done for a new movie or new episodes by year's end.
The duo struck their bargain on the "Decades" episode of their podcast, Titting About, Entertainment Weekly relayed.
"French revealed that she often challenges Saunders to work when she can tell her pal needs a push – including a prior deal between the pair that would've seen Saunders pay French £10,000 'if she didn't write the 'AbFab' film,'" according to French, EW detailed.
And a push to get back to the uproarious world of the self-absorbed publicist Edina and her former model sidekick seems to be what Saunders was seeking.
"I need to write a film or a series based on 'AbFab,' because everyone wants another 'AbFab' movie," Saunders lamented. "I can't do that, I just don't have a thing. I want to do something related."
"Absolutely Fabulous" premiered in England in 1992 and became a hit. The series revolved around Saunders' immature and self-centered character Edina, her put-upon daughter Saffron (Julia Sawalha), and Edina's partner in mischief, Patsy (Joanna Lumley). "AbFab," as the show was dubbed, initially ran for three seasons with a concluding special following in 1996. Saunders got the cast back together for additional seasons in 2001 and 2003, with additional specials and episodes following in 2004 and 2011.
A feature film reunited the characters in 2016, after which Saunders swore she was finished with the show. That might be true, if by saying the new project would be "related" Saunders meant that some other cast of characters would be featured.
French made a point of asking if Lumley's Patsy would be part of the proceedings.
"Possibly," Saunders replied, "including some 'AbFab'-ness, but not totally 'AbFab.'"
Whatever Saunders has in mind, she's committed now, having shaken French's hand on air to seal the deal.
Kilian Melloy serves as EDGE Media Network's Associate Arts Editor and Staff Contributor. His professional memberships include the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, the Boston Online Film Critics Association, The Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association, and the Boston Theater Critics Association's Elliot Norton Awards Committee.
