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Diablo Cody Bringing 'Sweet Valley High' to the Big Screen

by Alex Billington
September 22, 2009

Even though Diablo Cody's Jennifer's Body only made $7.4 million of the weekend, Universal still believes that she can bring crowds to theaters. The studio is in negotiations to pick up the rights to the long-running book series "Sweet Valley High" and brought on Diablo Cody to adapt. Cody also will produce with Mason Novick (Juno, 500 Days of Summer) as well as Marc Platt. The series, created by Francine Pascal, made its debut in 1983, publishing 150+ books with more than 60 million copies. The last one came out January 2003. To be honest, this is the first time I've even heard of this series, but that's probably just me.

Cody's "formative years" were informed by the books, which centered on the lives of two teenage girls, Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield, who lived in the fictional town of Sweet Valley, California. Jessica was the more conniving and materialistic of the sisters, and usually needed help from the more practical Elizabeth when her schemes went awry. Cody and Novick together tracked down the rights and developed a take. The combination of Cody and the books caused a bidding situation that also involved Fox 2000 and Mandate, but Universal won in the end. Whether you like Diablo Cody or not, this should be a fun adaptation, no?

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SlashBeast

I think someone needs to tell this woman that her 15 minutes are up.
germs

Agree with #1.
http://www.twitter.com/gimmesumsuga Mathieu

Well, I like Diablo Cody. She's a fine writer caught in the midst of a bitchy backlash at her sudden success. Jennifer's Body couldn't have cost much to make, so I'm sure it will turn a decent profit over time, especially once it opens in other countries around the world and then comes to DVD. I remember my sister used to read these books some years back. I flicked through a few and thought they were okay, but she loved them so there's obviously a built-in audience for this.
M

SVH? um no, the only thing I read was sweet Valley University. How about she dismisses this idea, and try and find substantial material.
Christopher M

there was a TV series based on the books that ran from 94-98...starring Brittany Daniel and her twin sister Cynthia.. it's prime for a film adaptation, even more so in Cody's hands...I loved both Juno and Jennifer's Body...the latter which was only made for 16million...really how many high profile horror films have that kind of budget?..7.4million is okay considering it's almost half the film's budget...I'm sure it will develop a cult status on DVD... I enjoy Diablo's view of highschool life and teens...she'll never be John Huges but it's cool that someone is trying to create those type of films again..without it being some Gossip Girl or O.C. type films filled with douche-bags
Tim

i'm a big fan diablo cody and my sisters read those books a lot i'm looking forward to it even if it will be a huge chick flick
CORNBOY

Wow, I didn't know Diablo Cody was a dude !
Sabes

I used to read those books. >.<
RPD

#1 & 2: I hope somebody tells the internet while they're at it...
http://shannonsweetvalley.com Shannon

I think this could be really good, provided it's not taken too seriously. The books are freaking horrible, but so many of us read them back in the day and couldn't get enough. If she does it in a way that is clearly making fun of the source material, it could be awesome. Otherwise, no, it should just not be made.
1-7

Who the fuck names their kid Diablo?
pimp on a stick

Hey, guy reporting article, just outta curiosity how old are you?