There doesn’t appear to be a short supply of TV series being adapted for the big screen. After perusing Variety‘s list of projects in development, it’s easy to conclude the small screen is having a powerful influence on its big brother. Not all of these adaptations will will make it beyond the brainstorming stage, but a few are on the fast track.
For example, The A-Team has attached Director Joe Carnahan (Narc) and actors Bradley Cooper (The Hangover) and Liam Neeson. It’s slated to be released in 2010, if you believe IMDB. I wonder if they’ll actually kill anyone in the film version? I never knew – until watching the series – people could survive helicopters crashing into the sides of mountains with such regularity. The ’80s: when bad guys were really tough.
You need look no further than this summer’s crop of new releases to see the degree in which television has crossed over into the multiplex. Star Trek, Land of the Lost, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, and G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra all originated, in some form, on television. You can argue the merits of each, but just because Land of the Lost is a steaming pile of dino dung, won’t prevent a misguided producer from bringing Small Wonder to a theater near you (Am I alone in hoping V.I.C.I. graces a 70-foot long screen? Probably).
I’ve compiled a list of past and present shows to see which, if any, would work as a movie. The majority of these have been circling the rumor mill for years.
Magnum P.I. – The quintessential private eye series from the ‘8os has been restarted more times than my old Buick Skylark. Most recently, shirtless pothead Matthew McConaughey was linked to the project. Thankfully, those whispers have died. Would a big screen version work? Not without Tom Selleck. I just can’t envision another actor playing Thomas Magnum. The series was perfect. Leave it be, Hollywood.
The Prisoner - This intriguing, albeit short-lived, series has been mentioned throughout the years as getting a celluloid treatment. Having watched it myself, I’m of the belief it could definitely work as a film. It has mystery, action and loads of suspense. The “escape plot” can produce positive results when placed in the proper hands.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer – This one is tricky because it was a mediocre movie first, before becoming a stellar TV series. So, should it return for one (or multiple) final swan song(s). Uhhh… no. A possible relaunch made headlines recently. And yes, the super-hot, but super-dull Megan Fox was immediately identified as a leading candidate to wield the Slayer stake. The words “big mistake” come to mind when I ponder another Buffy chapter.
Arrested Development - This seems to be more wishful thinking by the loyal fan base than reality. It be kinda like making a Seinfeld movie. What would be the point? Arrested was edgy and inventive. My feeling is an adaptation might sully the good reputation of this cultish sitcom.
Lost - Just kidding, folks! I’d rather sit through a film treatment of Gravity’s Rainbow than endure two more hours in the Lost universe. It’s not because I’m not a fan, because I am. It’s because I can only take one more season of this mind-bending show.
24 – I’ve never seen an episode, but it has all the elements that would translate well to the movies. The “real time” technique has met with mixed results. Rope and Run Lola Run are compelling, while Nick of Time and 88 Minutes are week old garbage.
Deadwood – I would be giddy if this complex, well-written HBO drama landed at my local theater. Alas, it will not happen. Creator David Milch wanted to wrap up the series with a couple telefilms, but HBO wasn’t receptive to his wishes. Therefore, the chances of a theatrical release are nil. Too bad. Al Swearengen would have killed on film.
True Blood – Since the second season just kicked off on Sunday, movie chatter seems premature, I admit. However, this group of characters would glow in the spotlight. I’d much rather witness the vampires of Bon Temps bare their big screen teeth than the ones of Sunnydale.
Are any of these hallmark series deserving of a movie version? If not, what show do you believe would make a great film? Let me know and we can discuss.
Clacked by Scott Tunstall 
on Jun 17, 2009 @ 10:00 EST5EDT
One of my favorite TV shows should definitely be made into a full fledged, live-action, big screen, summer blockbuster movie; Mighty Max. For those that do not remember, Mighty Max is about a somewhat adventurous preteen growing up normal in suburbia. He gets this package in the mail that contains “. . . a statue of a fowl inscribed with hieroglyphs: ‘You have been chosen to be the cap-bearer. Go to the mini-mart and wait for a sign, Mighty Max.’ Shocked by the message, Max drops the statue, shattering it and revealing a red baseball cap emblazoned with a yellow “M” which he puts on.” [source: Wikipedia.]
I truly believe Robert Rodriguez would be the best director for this film. The studio can find an unknown actor to play Max, they can animate Virgil and maybe get either Patrick Steward or Ian McKellen to do the voice-over, and have Patrick Warburton to play the part of Norman.
If the studios are hell bent on making remakes/reboots, or running out of ideas, at least this is a venture worth looking into.
I think a Lost movie would be great if it was done by bringing along only the writers and one character- the island. There is the potential for so many stories to be told about the different groups of people who have ended up at the island over the years. Shoot, you could throw in a visit by Vincent the time traveling dog if you need a cameo.
Veronica Mars with a very dark mystery and Veronica, Logan and Keith seriously involved.
Of course the supporting characters would be here to make cameo.
I’m terrified that the BSG movie reboot will be a mess. I won’t be able to stop myself from watching it. Like a moth to a flame!