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Barbarella: Why mess with perfection?

Dino De Laurentiis, the producer of the original Barbarella in 1968, wants to “reintroduce Barbarella to a new generation of moviegoers.” No word yet on who will replace Jane Fonda as the intergalactic vixen who battles the evil scientist Durand Durand (yes, that’s where the band got its name). Those are some big space boots to fill.

The original film is campy, crazy and delicious — and the music is awesome. Some things should never be updated. Especially because, according to Variety, the new Barbarella will be “a free, modern gal who survives in a futuristic world through her intelligence, fighting skills and sexuality.”

A free, modern gal? Gosh, maybe they’re not going to update it at all.

But fine, fine: Let’s think about this. Who could capture the spirit of Barbarella today? Here are my ideas:

5. Renee O’Connor. OK, probably not. But it’s fun to think about.

4. Amy Poehler. Only if they go for pure goofiness. And that might not be a bad idea.

3. Gwen Stefani. Perfect. Barbarella was the original ain’t-no-hollaback-girl. Plus Gwen’s got the legs for the role. And I suspect she may already have a Barbarella costume in her closet.

2. Kate Winslet. I can’t actually advocate this because I think I would pass out.

1. Scarlett Johansson. Oh. That’s it! Yep, now I’m on board. Clearly she’s already a Fonda fan:

I was going to post the opening credits and the first scene of the original film, but, um, they’re not exactly “all ages.”

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