‘Wayne’s World’ Live Stage Reading to Star Abbi Jacobson and Zoe Lister-Jones as Iconic Duo

Samantha Bergeson
·2 min read

“Wayne’s World” is looking to party on in 2024.

The iconic buddy comedy lands a live stage reading courtesy of nonprofit arts organization Film Independent, the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, and MUBI. The new version of “Wayne’s World” will have a cast solely comprised of women, queer, and non-binary actors, with Abbi Jacobson and Zoe Lister-Jones in the two lead roles originally played by Mike Myers and Dana Carvey.

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In addition to Jacobson’s Wayne and Lister-Jones’ Garth, Kate Berlant plays agent Benjamin who was originally portrayed by Rob Lowe in the film. Nicole Byer stars as Russel, Poppy Cassandra’s character.

The cast additionally includes Robby Hoffman and Poppy Liu, with more names to be announced. The full “Wayne’s World” reinvention will take place at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts’ Bram Goldsmith Theater on Wednesday, June 11.

Lister-Jones will also direct the stage reading, following suit of fellow female filmmaker Penelope Spheeris helming the original 1992 film. The script hails from Myers, Bonnie Turner, and Terry Turner.

“I’m so thrilled to bring ‘Wayne’s World’ to life with a cast of women, queer, and non-binary actors,” Lister-Jones said. “It’s an iconic film that was so ahead of its time on so many levels. And now, thanks to Film Independent, it parties on.”

Past live stage read guest directors have included Quentin Tarantino, Justine Triet, Marlee Matlin, Karyn Kusama, Ruben ?stlund, Ben Schwartz, Olivia Wilde, and Marvin Lemus. Actors who have participated in the Film Independent readings range from Taika Waititi, Riley Keough, Nicholas Braun, Ayo Edebiri, Steven Yeun, Bob Odenkirk, Brett Goldstein, Quinta Brunson, Troy Kotsur, Alison Brie, Simona Tabasco, Tessa Thompson, and Maya Erskine.

Rachel Bleemer, the director of programming and events for Film Independent, said for the upcoming table read, “Prepare to experience Wayne’s World like never before, with a totally excellent cast guided by the brilliant mind of Zoe Lister-Jones. We’re not worthy!”

And who knows, perhaps this live stage read will kickstart the rumored “Wayne’s World 3” production. In 2012, Myers confirmed that he completed a draft to make “Wayne’s World” a trilogy, with Wayne and Garth having to cope with the new era of music and technology like transitioning from access cable to streaming internet. Both Myers and Carvey have reprised their respective roles for charity endeavors since the sequel film.

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