You’ve Seen the Trailer. Now Get to Know the Real Jem!
The classic '80s cartoon Jem is getting a makeover in the new Jem and the Holograms feature film. But how well do you really know the original Jem? Here's a quick refresher course including everything you need to know about Jem's most important characters.
Jerrica
In the animated series, Jerrica Benton is the owner and manager of the wildly popular Starlight Music. When her dad died, he gave her access to amazing technology holographic technology called Synergy. She must protect it all costs because it could do a lot of damage in the wrong hands. In the movie, she's portrayed by Aubrey Peeples.
(Jem via Claster Television/Jem and the Holograms via Universal Pictures)
Jem
What everyone doesn't know is that Jerrica is also secretly Jem, the lead singer of Starlight Records band Jem and the Holograms. Jerrica uses Synergy's holographic technology to switch in and our of her Jem persona onstage. Synergy also comes in handy to get Jem out of a few dangerous scrapes.
(Jem via Claster Television/Jem and the Holograms via Universal Pictures)
Eric Raymond
Jerrica has to keep her Jem identity a secret because the evil exec and former owner of Starlight Music, Eric Raymond, is always trying to retake control. If anyone's trying to abuse Synergy's power, it's him! In the movie, Eric becomes Erica, played by Juliette Lewis.
(Jem via Claster Television/Jem and the Holograms via Universal Pictures)
Kimber
But Jem doesn't have to keep her secret from everyone. Her little sister, Kimber Benton, and the rest of The Holograms are aware of Jerrica's alter ego and Synergy. She's the band's songwriter and keyboardist, played by Stefanie Scott in the film.
(Jem via Claster Television/Jem and the Holograms via Universal Pictures)
Aja
Aja Leith is foster sister to Jem and Kimber, and the band's guitarist. In the movie she's portrayed by Hayley Kiyoko.
(Jem via Claster Television/Jem and the Holograms via Universal Pictures)
Shana
Shana Elmsford is also Jem's foster sister. She plays drums for the band and is played by Aurora Perrineau.
(Jem via Claster Television/Jem and the Holograms via Universal Pictures)
Rio
In the cartoon, Rio Pacheco is Jerrica's long time-boyfriend. Of course, he also falls in love with Jem, never discovering that they are actually the same person. Jem/Jerrica gets caught in the middle of a love triangle with herself! In the movie, he's played by Ryan Guzman (and sadly, we think this love triangle is out of the question).
(Jem via Claster Television/Jem and the Holograms via Universal Pictures)
We're still hoping some of our other favorite characters from the show will make it into the movie? Will 5th Hologram Carmen "Raya" Alonso join the group at some point in the movie?
(Jem via Claster Television)
How about rival bands The Misfits and The Stingers?
(Jem via Claster Television)
Will Jem and her fam come to take care of their 12 foster kids, the Starlight Girls?
(Jem via Claster Television)
All of these questions will be answered when the movie hits theaters on October 23. If you haven't seen the trailer yet, watch below, and let us know what you think in the comments!