Despite the depiction of Juno‘s lone pro-lifer as a dweebish anomaly obsessed with fingernails, many anti-abortion groups have attempted to co-opt the iconic teen pregnancy film as pro-life propaganda over the decade since its release. Director Jason Reitman has now laid to rest any confusion over his stance on women’s reproductive rights. As Juno celebrates its 10-year anniversary, Reitman is re-staging the film as an all-female live read of the ultra-quotable script, with all proceeds going to Planned Parenthood. Ellen Page and Jennifer Garner have already signed on, with the gender-flipped versions of Paulie “that’s just how her face looks” Bleeker and Mac “one more Bac-O on that potato” MacGuff to be announced via Reitman’s Twitter.
“Like many other people, I felt like I wanted to do something. I wanted to find a way to contribute to the causes that have never felt more important,” Reitman told Entertainment Weekly. “It occurred to me that I have this show that could be used as a tool to not only raise money for causes that need the help, but could serve as an opportunity for a group like Planned Parenthood to connect with an audience who can be presented with new ideas, or even an action item.”‘
The live read is part of Reitman’s new resistance-inspired series, with future readings to tackle politically relevant topics such as immigration and fake news. The decision to kick off with Juno was an easy one “considering how much this election has done against women and what Planned Parenthood has done for women,” he said. The Trump administration has made repeated threats to defund the essential health service, which provides millions of women with cancer screenings, STD treatments, and contraceptive devices. However, abortion opponents appear unable to distinguish it from the creepy clinic found in Juno.
The Juno reading takes place at the Ace Theater in Los Angeles on Saturday, April 8. Tickets can be purchased here.
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Text Hannah Ongley