The Boy with Pink Pants, directed by Margherita Ferri and which achieved widespread success in 2024, is set to have a U.S. remake. At the helm will be Nick Cassavetes, known for films such as The Notebook and John Q.
The original film recounts the true story of Andrea Spezzacatena, a 15-year-old from Rome who took his own life in 2012 after repeated episodes of bullying at school and online. In Italy, the film became a cultural phenomenon, grossing over $11.8 million at the box office and drawing nearly two million viewers.
The remake, produced by Tarak Ben Ammar with Eagle Pictures alongside Mark Burg and Gina Cassavetes, features a screenplay by Roberto Proia and Michael Gallagher. The story shifts to a small American town, with a strong focus on Andrea’s relationship with his mother, Teresa Manes, who has since become an anti-bullying activist.
Cassavetes has described the project as “a punch in the gut”. The story will explore universal themes: family, adolescence, first loves, as well as the weaknesses and vulnerabilities of youth. Filming is scheduled to begin in 2026, with the aim of bringing this story of pain and resilience to an international audience.
Photo Credits: FilmItalia
