New Netflix Series "The Body" Promises Sequel to Cult Favorite "Jennifer's Body"
Published on April 12, 2026, at 6:30 PM EDT, Screen Rant's Dani Kessel Odom—an autistic lead writer and TV critic—delves into sci-fi and fantasy series like Doctor Who and Percy Jackson, alongside horror and superhero genres. Specializing in onscreen book adaptations, Kessel’s TV critiques grace Rotten Tomatoes.
Kessel’s expertise spans event coverage, including the Denver Fan Expo, where industry veterans like Damien Leone and Lucy Hale contributed. Their work even influenced Ponies’ TV trailer! Academically, they studied English Writing with a Psychology minor, fueling a lifelong passion for media analysis, filmography, and scriptwriting. For over a decade, Kessel has thrived as a freelance editor and ghostwriter.
Beyond Screen Rant, Kessel’s decade-long freelance career includes ghostwriting projects, offering versatile storytelling support.
The Body: A Cult Classic’s Cinematic Legacy
The 2009 film Jennifer’s Body, initially a box-office underperformer, evolved into a Sapphic icon. Now, Netflix aims to revive its spirit with The Body, a teen horror series from creator Quinn Shephard. Set in a Catholic school, it blends erotic thriller elements with queer undertones, echoing themes from Shephard’s inspirations like Carrie and Heavenly Creatures.
Shephard’s vision draws from 90s/2000s teen films, ensuring parallels to Jennifer’s Body. While Mean Girls diverges, the series promises rich queer subtext, mirroring relationships in its cinematic predecessors.
Visuals align with fan expectations: Megan Fox’s iconic role as Jennifer, marked by a blood-soaked prom dress, anchors the adaptation. Amanda Seyfried’s cameo adds star power, though her scene remains ambiguous.
Shephard’s history with LGBTQ+ narratives—evident in works like Heavenly Creatures—suggests nuanced representation. Even Mean Girls subtly nods to queer dynamics, solidifying the series’ place in Sapphic media lore.
Production & Release Details
Announced with full cast, production concluded February 2026. Expected release in Q4 2026, avoiding intense post-production thanks to its psychodrama-thriller genre. Ratings stand at 7.9/10, reflecting mixed but engaged reception.
Visuals include promotional art, such as posters featuring key cast members, enhancing anticipation. With a runtime of 107 minutes and a directorial team including Karyn Kusama, expectations remain high for a faithful yet fresh take on this cult favorite.
