Callie Khouri, the Oscar-winning screenwriter behind the 1991 film Thelma & Louise, is revisiting her breakthrough work with a new musical adaptation currently running at London’s Young Vic. Now 68, Khouri is expanding her creative repertoire by transforming the iconic feminist road movie into a stage production that reimagines the story for contemporary audiences while preserving its original 1990s setting.

Khouri, who also created the acclaimed television series Nashville, described the project as both a continuation of her career and a fresh challenge. The idea of adapting Thelma & Louise for the musical theatre stage initially struck her as unconventional due to the film’s heavy themes, including domestic abuse, attempted sexual assault, murder, and its tragic finale. However, after discussions facilitated by her agent and the involvement of leading West End producer Sonia Friedman, the concept progressed to fruition.

The musical features music by American singer-songwriter Neko Case, whose poetic, textured style Khouri credits with bringing a unique voice to the production. Choreography is by Bobbi Jene Smith and Or Schraiber, whose expressive and sensuous movement vocabulary complements the show's emotional intensity. Trip Cullman, noted for his recent Broadway work, directs the production.

While the musical retains key plot elements from the film, Khouri emphasizes that it is a “completely different telling,” incorporating both familiar and new scenes without modern updates like mobile phones. She is deliberately protective of the narrative’s surprises, wanting audiences to experience the story’s impact firsthand.

Reflecting on the film’s enduring relevance, Khouri noted that the issues it explores—such as casual sexism and violence against women—remain pressing concerns. She expressed frustration that, despite some social progress, setbacks like the rollback of abortion rights in the United States demonstrate ongoing challenges for women’s equality. Khouri also acknowledged the ongoing complexities surrounding the #MeToo movement and broader industry reform.

Khouri’s inspiration for Thelma & Louise was partially drawn from her own experiences of violence and vulnerability while living in Los Angeles. She described the feeling of navigating the world as a “prey animal” following personal encounters with crime, which informed the story’s themes of empowerment and resistance.

Currently based in Nashville with her husband, record producer T-Bone Burnett, Khouri balances her artistic pursuits with a passion for gardening, which she embraced during the pandemic. She noted that working in theatre offers a refreshing contrast to the film and television industry, which she described as increasingly driven by franchises and algorithms rather than original stories.

Thelma & Louise, starring Rachel Tucker and Amy Lennox, is scheduled to run at the Young Vic until October 24. Khouri expressed gratitude for the collaborative team and optimism that this stage adaptation will add new dimensions to a story that has resonated with audiences for more than three decades.