'Knight Rider' movie begins to step on the accelerator
A "Knight Rider" film is getting closer to making the leap.
A film version of the popular '80s TV show is gaining momentum, with the Weinstein Co., which owns feature rights, bringing on filmmaker Brad Copeland to write a draft of the script, according to a person familiar with the production who was not authorized to talk about it publicly.
Copeland is a writer-director who penned another vehicular themed feature — 2007 hit “Wild Hogs” — wrote on the "Arrested Development” TV series and has been attached to reboots of other TV mainstays, including "Gilligan's Island." His feature directorial debut, an indie R-rated comedy titled "Coffee Town," is hitting day-and-date next month.
The new “Knight Rider” is being conceived as a somewhat higher-budget, more action-oriented movie than Weinstein's typical prestige fare. The company bought the rights from Glen Larson, the prolific creator of many a TV action series, including the hit NBC show about Michael Knight and his flying Trans Am. David Hasselhoff, who of course played Knight in the original "Knight Rider," has been making noise about wanting to be a part of the new movie.
Though a rebooted TV series ran on NBC for just 17 episodes beginning in 2008, the market for a new movie could be abundant, what with the global take of the sixth and most recent “Fast & Furious” movie at $645 million and counting.
The question for Copeland is how to craft a new car (the show’s KITT was renowned for its ability to talk) in an era when much of what KITT could do can be handled by Siri or a garden-variety iPhone.
A Weinstein Co. spokesperson could not immediately be reached for comment.
The article writer knows nothing about his subject (not uncommon, of course). He didn't have a "flying Trans Am", and the talking car wasn't just a Siri-like experience; it was portrayed as if it were an actual AI, that could interact and make decisions on its own (and, of course, drive itself). But it's easier to be dismissive of a concept if you can ridicule it.
They'll probably try and turn it in to a comedic version as well, like they have with so many other TV properties, without realising Knight Rider was a show that had its tongue firmly in its cheek in the first place.
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They'll probably try and turn it in to a comedic version as well, like they have with so many other TV properties, without realising Knight Rider was a show that had its tongue firmly in its cheek in the first place.
And the new Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will feature a hardnosed cast and a flying death machine of a car.
They'll probably try and turn it in to a comedic version as well, like they have with so many other TV properties, without realising Knight Rider was a show that had its tongue firmly in its cheek in the first place.
And the new Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will feature a hardnosed cast and a flying death machine of a car.
But cast Barry Van Dyke at least giving it a link to the original, and he can also complete his cycle of failed remakes Galactica 80 and The New Airwolf.
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I've read about that movie! Doesn't really sound like something I'd care to watch. Too bad, since it looks like it's got a LOT of classic 1970s motorcycle action.
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Chris Pratt could take the lead role in a film reboot of the '80s TV series Knight Rider, according to reports.
Schmoes Know says that Parks And Recreation actor Pratt has begun talks with the team working on the film adaptation of the show, which originally ran from 1982 - 1986 and starred David Hasselhoff as Michael Knight. There are also reports that Danny McBride has also been contacted about the possibility of voicing the talking car KITT in the film, which is being developed by The Weinstein Company.
The key ingredient will be the hook from that theme song. If they get those three notes right, then it just might work. Also, the front of the car needs to have that scanning red light.
If you boil these concepts down to their essence, you can't go wrong. The red flashing light thing and the music are essential, as is having a glamorous female mechanic working on the car.
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