In Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead, 17-year-old Tanya Crandell, played by Simone Joy Jones, eagerly anticipates a summer with her friends in Spain before heading to university in the fall. But her plans are forced to change when her mother leaves for a much-needed wellness retreat across the globe, leaving Tanya to stay home with her three siblings and an elderly babysitter.
After an unexpected loss, Tanya has to find a job. She ends up working as an assistant for a driven and confident CEO, portrayed by Nicole Richie. Juggling work, family and a whirlwind romance, Tanya learns some of the responsibilities of adulthood during what was supposed to be her summer of freedom.
Wade Allain-Marcus’ newest movie, Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead, rethinks the classic coming-of-age story from 1991. It balances in-your-face comedy, heartfelt family moments and, of course, corporate realness. Richie and Joy Jones spoke with EBONY about creating their own version of the iconic characters, their connection on screen and the importance of a diverse remake.
Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead is in theaters nationwide on April 12.
