Parker Posey Will Play Gender-Flipped Dr. Smith in Netflix's 'Lost in Space' Reboot

Hollywood loves to recast and reboot, sometimes for better, often for worse. In the following case, the prospect seems promising. From Deadline:

Parker Posey has joined the cast of Lost In Space, Netflix’s remake of sci-fi master Irwin Allen’s 1965 cult TV classic, from Legendary TV.

Slated for a 2018 premiere, the new Lost In Space takes its cues from the original CBS series, revolving around the Robinson family, which is forced to come together in a time of crisis. Stranded light years from their intended destination, the Robinsons find themselves battling a strange new alien environment and their own personal demons. Posey will play Dr. Smith.

Smith was played by Jonathan Harris in the original series, and by Gary Oldman in the 1998 feature film. As gender swaps go, this one seems justified. First, there’s nothing about the Smith character which demands it be masculine. Second, and more importantly, Posey has a track record delivering the goods in this kind of role. Scheming, manipulative, and wholly self-centered is where Posey works best. She’ll be a natural for Dr. Smith.