As of this week, James Wan is reportedly in the mix to join Spyglass Media Group’s latest developmental efforts to finally bring the hit action series, Knight Rider, to the big screen. The report cites that Wan will produce the new film with Atomic Monster partner Michael Clear, from a script by Ratchet & Clank video game franchise writer T.J. Fixman. Judson Scott will exec produce.
I’ve always felt that the 80’s TV series, Knight Rider, was meant for something larger and unfortunately it never saw through to its big screen potential. It did have its moments of glory on the small screen dating back to 1982 and in other variant shows that followed in the 90s and there were still utterances of a possible film in 2013 by way of feature film rights holders at the Weinstein Company with Brian Copeland writing a script.
Even so the fan fare always drew back to the show, made exemplary with the sustenance of the show’s star, actor David Hasselhoff’s celebrity over the years and as recent as last year’s hit shortfilm, Kung Fury through the title track, “True Survivor”. Fast forward to 2016 and with a name like Justin Lin having gained prominence directing his own fair share of some of the most enthralling car chases on the Fast And Furious saga, it appears NBCUniversal and Machinima have taken a liking to Lin who his now poised to help produce a digital reboot of the show through his YOMYOMF banner:
This deal is another example of Machinima working with elite talent inside and outside of its network to deliver high-profile, live-action series to its extensive worldwide audience. The announcement was made by Machinima CEO Chad Gutstein.
“Knight Rider is an iconic franchise whose concepts of AI and autonomous vehicles were science fiction in the 1980s and are now science fact,” said Gutstein. “Justin is one of the leading storytellers of his generation and we couldn’t be more excited to work with him on re-invigorating Knight Rider for a new generation of fans.”
No casting details have been confirmed thusfar but the goal is to get things rolling by early next year. Lin is involved in a number of TV and film projects including helming a Hot Wheels adaptation for Legendary and Universal among other items, though needless to say if there is a project more than suited for the well-known director and producer involving high-octane action and high-speed chases, it’s Lin, for sure.
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