I don’t know if there was a more beloved actress throughout the ’90s than Reese Witherspoon, and by far her most popular character during that stretch was Tracy Flick, the ambitious high schooler from Alexander Payne’s Election. In a surprising development, Witherspoon will be returning to that iconic role with Tracy Flick Can’t Win, a film that Payne will also be coming back for.
Deadline reports that Witherspoon will return to star and produce Tracy Flick Can’t Win, which is based on Tom Perrotta’s sequel novel to his 1998 book. Another darkly satirical story, this one follows an adult Tracy as she continues to do anything and everything to make it to the top.
Election starred Witherspoon as Tracy Flick, who found herself in a showdown with bored, jealous teacher Jim McCallister, played by Matthew Broderick, over the high school presidential election. She wasn’t above turning to dastardly deeds to get ahead, sabotaging and betraying those around her, while Jim found himself in the position of trying to stifle the advancement of a student. Not a good look. The story ended with Tracy moving on to Georgetown University, then later closely working alongside a Congressman.
The film wasn’t a massive hit, but it attained a cult following and really boosted Payne’s career. He went on to direct films Sideways, Nebraska, About Schmidt, The Descendants, and Downsizing. He will adapt Perrotta’s novel alongside Jim Taylor, his frequent collaborator.
Witherspoon currently stars in Apple TV+ series The Morning Show. She’s become quite the powerhouse producer, and she will produce this project, as well.
