ReturningCruel Intentionsstar Sean Patrick Thomas breaks down his new character’s relationship and explains what makes it different from the show’s other dynamics. Thomas starred in the original 1999 movie of the same name as Ronald, a music teacher who is caught in the manipulations and schemes of three high schoolers in a retelling ofLes Liaisons dangereuses. In theCruel Intentionsreboot series, he plays Hank Chadwick, a college history professor who starts a relationship with his teaching assistant, CeCe (Sara Silva).
While Hank and CeCe’s bond may draw parallels to the 1999 movie, Thomas explained why the relationship may be healthier than the others in an interview withThe Hollywood Reporter. Despite a clear age gap and power imbalance between them, Thomas enjoys that Hank and CeCe are seemingly handling things in a healthier manner than most characters within the franchise. He said:
There’s a right way and a wrong way to do things. I like to see people try and do things the right way, because this is a show where everybody else is doing everything the wrong way. I like the fact that this is a relationship that is a contrast to all of that —that these are two good people that have a genuine, pure connectionand they want to make sure they go about it the right way.
Stating that their connection was mutually healthy with neither side trying to one-up the other, Thomas states that Hank and CeCe stand out as the rare healthy relationship inCruel Intentions, adding:
They’re not trying to hurt each other,they’re not trying to hurt anybody else. That’s what I want audiences to see — that that’s possible, that that exists in a world that seems chaotic and mean sometimes.
What Sean Patrick Thomas' New Role Means For Cruel Intentions
The 1999 Movie Featured A More Taboo Dynamic
When compared to his original character’s situation, Thomas’snewCruel Intentionscharacterhas a much healthier relationship. While there is a gap between their ages that could jeopardize his career, and he technically holds a higher position than her,Hank and CeCe share a level of professionalismthat isn’t present in the student/tutor dynamic between Ronald and Cecile (Selma Blair) in the original movie. There’s still some scandal at play here, but it isn’t quite as dangerous.
Furthermore, Hank and CeCe take their time before progressing into a romantic state, as she impresses him with her work ethic and skills at first, allowing him to see her as his equal. As such, both are approaching their potential future onCruel Intentionsin a shared position, letting them see each other for who they are before moving any further.This allows Thomas the chance to play a similar dynamic to his previous rolewhile offering something new at the same time.
Our Take On Hank And CeCe’s Cruel Intentions Future
Can Their Love Outlast The Series' Trickery?
Though a change in dynamic may have given the pair a more equal footing in theCruel Intentionstelevision reboot,it doesn’t mean Hank and CeCe will be free of troublein the series' future. Like the original movie, the blossoming relationship brings unwanted questions about Hank’s conduct as a teacher in the latter half of the show that could have serious implications for his future inCruel Intentionsseason 2and beyond.
10 Biggest Differences Between Prime Video’s Cruel Intentions Show & The 1999 Movie
Prime Video’s Cruel Intentions TV show borrowed the premise of the 1999 movie of the same name, but it also made some big changes to it.
Nevertheless, with how Thomas praises Hank’s television relationship, it is clear he and CeCe’s bond will have a key place within the series as a beacon of light. WhileCruel Intentionsmay be an exploration of the darker sides of climbing society,Hank and CeCe may stand out as a rare pairing for viewers to root fordespite their unconventional foundation.
Cruel Intentions
Cast
Two ambitious step-siblings at a prestigious Washington, D.C. college will stop at nothing to keep their social standing. After a hazing scandal threatens their control, they resort to extreme tactics, including seducing the vice president’s daughter, to safeguard their reputation and influence.
