EXCLUSIVE: Stoked Bros Media is producing a reimagining of Strictly Sexual, the cult 2008 comedy from director Joel Viertel.
Written by Stevie Long, the original low-budget title ranked as one of the most-watched movies on Hulu during the streamer’s earliest days, per reporting from NPR. The story centers around two successful women, sick and tired of dating and relationships, who decide to keep two young men in their pool house for strictly sexual purposes. During the ensuing months, however, the couples become closer and begin to develop romantic feelings.
Amber Benson, Johann Urb, Kristen Kerr, Trevor Murphy, and Long starred in the pic, which was followed up by Strictly Sexual: The Series, a 2011 spin-off produced by Viertel and Long that reunited much of the original cast.
Viertel will return to direct the remake, with Long co-writing the script alongside Stoked Bros Media co-founder and former NBA player turned filmmaker Jarnell Stokes (Break the Cycle). Aisha Wynn and Demetrius Shipp Jr. (All Eyez on Me) will produce, with the latter also serving as executive producer. Casting is underway, with production expected to begin later this year.
In a statement to Deadline, Viertel said, “I’m so excited to work with Jarnell and Aisha to bring this new incarnation of a story I hold near and dear to a modern audience. Their passion for the project even convinced me to step back into the directing chair, and I’m looking forward to exploring all the ways in which the culture has changed since we made the original.”
Stated Stokes: “We’re thrilled to bring a fresh perspective to Strictly Sexual, a film that became a long running favorite on Hulu and has resonated with audiences for its bold take on women and modern relationships. The remake will honor the original’s wit and charm while expanding on the characters’ stories to reflect today’s diverse evolving conversations around love and commitment. We think this film will also be a great collaborative example of how Stoked Bros approaches its crossover of sports and entertainment.”
Stokes co-founded Stoked Bros Media with his brother, Isaiah, in 2022. A two-time Gold Medalist who has played basketball professionally since 2014, he’s recently made a move into film as the producer of titles like Break the Cycle, Helen’s Dead, Slayers, and Dig, among others.
Stokes is repped by Innovative Artists, Evoke Entertainment, and Mendelsohn Law.
