Jane Fonda as Barbarella (Photo by Wikimedia Commons)
Jane Fonda as Barbarella (Photo by Wikimedia Commons)

Amazon’s next foray into original programming might be a bit more risqué than its usual offerings.

The company has picked up a script for a pilot episode of “Barbarella” for production as a part of its original content offerings, according to a report by Deadline.

That’s right, the Seattle-based retailer may be doing a small screen reboot of the 1968 sci-fi film that starred Jane Fonda as an oversexed alien who saved the universe thanks to an insatiable sex drive. (No, I’m not making this up. It was the 60s.) It’s unclear if the rebooted pilot, as written, actually creates a character whose purpose extends past making love with a cast of male co-stars.

The report says that the pilot was written by Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, who were both part of the team responsible for “Skyfall.” Martha De Laurentiis, whose husband Dino produced the original, is on board as an executive producer, as is Nicolas Refn, who directed the Ryan Gosling vehicle “Drive.”

So far, the company’s original programming hasn’t received the same sort of critical acclaim and media recognition that Netflix has garnered. Remaking Barbarella is sure to draw interest and buzz, but I’m not sure it’s the best way for Amazon to differentiate itself.

If they do bring Barbarella to market, and stay true to the original plot, Amazon may be looking to position its Prime Instant Video service as the Showtime to Netflix’s HBO — not necessarily getting all the awards, but making up for it with more sexual content.

Amazon didn’t respond to a request for comment.

Like what you're reading? Subscribe to GeekWire's free newsletters to catch every headline

Job Listings on GeekWork

Find more jobs on GeekWork. Employers, post a job here.