Caffeinated Clint
A few years ago they tried to turn “Greatest American Hero” into a movie. Stephen Herek was set to direct, and Eric Christian Olsen was booked to play ‘Ralph’ – the gangly high-school teacher turned unlikely superhero. Thing never happened.
Not surprisingly, the idea still lives on to reboot the classic ’80s series. And as apt as Mr Herek (“The Mighty Ducks”, “Mr Holland’s Opus”) would’ve been at transferring the tale to a noughties canvas, I have to say, the project’s taken a very exciting turn since those days.
Seems “21 Jump Street” and “Lego Movie” helmers Phil Lord and Chris Miller have been appropriately charged with the mission to breathe new life into Stephen J.Cannell’s nerdy-hero yarn. After what Lord and Miller did for the “21 Jump Street” brand – which was a) a lot and b) make it cool. again – I’m all for the idea.
With these two onboard it also assumes the project will retain it’s original blend of adventure and laughs. Heck, these guys are loyal and pursits – maybe they’ll even bring back the original theme song (see below).
The new “American Hero” is set up at Fox as an hour-long series; Lord and Miller are working with Cannell’s daughter Tawnia McKiernan on it. Fact that there’s a Cannell involved, assumes they’re also going to try and link it somewhat to the original show (maybe a William Katt cameo? Cue the ‘passing the torch’ scene!).
Deadline had the scoop.
