Trailer Arrives for Prime Video’s ‘Cruel Intentions’ Series

Prime Video has unveiled the first trailer for upcoming series Cruel Intentions, a fresh adaptation inspired by the 1999 cult film – which was itself rooted in Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’ 1782 novel Les Liaisons Dangereuses. This time the  story of manipulation and seduction is set within the modern, elite world of Manchester College in Washington, D.C. Watch the trailer above.

Setting and Plot: Power and Deception at Manchester College

The story follows privileged step-siblings Caroline Merteuil (Sarah Catherine Hook) and Lucien Belmont (Zac Burgess) as they reign over Greek life at Manchester College. When a hazing scandal threatens to dismantle the campus’s Panhellenic system, the duo scheme to maintain their influence, using lies, seduction, and manipulation—going as far as targeting the daughter of the U.S. Vice President in a bid to keep their status intact.

Returning Cast Member and Familiar Soundtrack

The trailer gives a nod to the original film with Sean Patrick Thomas returning in the role of Professor Hank Chadwick, a reference to his 1999 character Ronald Clifford. Another homage comes in the form of the soundtrack, set to a cover of The Verve’s “Bittersweet Symphony,” which played a defining role in the original film’s climax.

Selma Blair Reacts to the New Series

Selma Blair, who played Cecile Caldwell in the original film, recently shared her thoughts on the series with Variety, noting that, though she wasn’t approached for a cameo, she remains enthusiastic. “Maybe there will be a cameo or something but no, I haven’t been asked anything. I’m excited to see it.” She offered advice to the new cast as well, urging them to “enjoy every minute and be on time — and know your lines!”

Production Team and Series Background

The eight-episode series is produced by Sony Pictures Television, Amazon MGM Studios, and Original Film, with Sara Goodman (Gossip Girl, Preacher) and Phoebe Fisher serving as showrunners, writers, and executive producers. Goodman and Fisher previously worked together on Prime Video’s short-lived I Know What You Did Last Summer series. Original Cruel Intentions writer-director Roger Kumble also returns as an executive producer, alongside Neal H. Moritz, Pavun Shetty, Bruce Mellon, Andrea Iervolino, and Monika Bacardi.

Previous Attempts at a Television Adaptation

This marks the third attempt to adapt Cruel Intentions for television. Following the 1999 film, Fox developed a spinoff titled Manchester Prep, which was ultimately shelved. Later, in 2015, NBC began working on a sequel series that would have seen Sarah Michelle Gellar reprise her role as Kathryn Merteuil; this project was also cancelled.

The first film also spawned two direct-to-video sequels: Cruel Intentions 2 (starring Robin Dunne and Amy Adams) in 2001 and Cruel Intentions 3 in 2004.

Release Details

All eight episodes of Cruel Intentions will premiere worldwide on Prime Video on 21 November.

Prime Video