Pop culture's Y2K obsession runs deep. From the resurgence of the flip phone to the shift towards low-rise everything, just when you think the noughties nostalgia is sure to die off, it flares up again.
Part of revisiting the early 2000s means looking at the era through a revisionist lens: Britney Spears did deserve better, as did Pamela Anderson, and skinny eyebrows are actually a huge vibe. So the idea that A24 would make a TV show based on the life of Paris Hilton is not at all surprising – in fact, I'm astonished it's taken this long to begin with.
What is the A24 Paris Hilton series about?
At the beginning of 2023, Paris Hilton dropped her much-anticipated memoir, which was far more candid than anyone expected. The book detailed her rise to fame — from The Simple Life with Nicole Richie, to crafting her “bimbo” persona, to her iconic 21st birthday celebrations, and, of course, the trauma of having her sex tape leaked. Much of it also focused on her teenage years, especially the complex and abusive experiences she endured at Provo Canyon School.
The forthcoming A24 series will adapt this memoir, but Dakota Fanning has now confirmed that the vision goes beyond the surface. In a recent interview, she explained that the sisters hope “to weave that outward persona – the glitz, the glam, the Chihuahuas in clothes – with the darker underbellies of Paris’s journey.”
Who is involved?
A24, the studio behind Euphoria, has the rights to Hilton’s memoir and is producing the series. Hilton herself is executive producing under her 11:11 Media banner, and Dakota and Elle Fanning are on board as producers through their Lewellen Pictures company.
Hilton has expressed full faith in the sisters, saying they “understand both the cultural impact and the personal journey” of her life. She noted that since Dakota and Elle also grew up in the public eye, they’re uniquely equipped to capture what it was like to live through the peak of tabloid culture.
As for casting, Hilton hasn’t confirmed whether Elle or Dakota will play her (or Nicky), but she’s clearly open to the idea. “They see beyond the catchphrases and sparkle,” Hilton said – which, frankly, feels like a blessing for any adaptation.
What about celebrity cameos?
While nothing has been announced, the door is wide open for memorable portrayals of these pop-culture heavyweights. Also, Hilton has made it clear that if the show is going to be accurate, it better deliver on the Birkins, snakeskin boots, and – of course – well-cast Chihuahuas.
Is there a release date?
Not yet. For now, all we know is that development is underway. Until then, you’ll just have to rewatch The Simple Life and imagine Dakota and Elle in Von Dutch trucker hats.
What we do know is that the project has officially kicked off, beginning with a creative meeting between the Fannings and Hilton at her home.
Image: Pinterest
