Tele-Ports - From Film To TV - 2015

It would appear that the latest media trend of turning films into TV series is not slowing down, with this weeks announcement that Wes Cravens “The People Under the Stairs” and the Sci Fi comedy “Galaxy Quest” are both being developed into shows. With series such as Bates Motel and Hannibal both now entering into their thirds series, it would seems that there is no let up to this new obsession and the list of potential shows gets longer and weirder each week. CBS, Fox, HBO and many others are all jumping on the bandwagon in hopes to pull in those magical viewing figures, but with shows based on films such as BIG, the Tom Hanks comedy classic, we are left wondering if there’s really anything else to explore beyond the films story?
Hit or miss, the list keeps growing, so check out our TELE-PORTS special!

The Evil Dead (1981)

We wanted a fourth film, instead we got something that could be potentially better. Ash vs. Evil Dead, will continue the franchise, with Bruce Campbell returning as Ash , who has been avoiding the Evil Dead for 30 years and is finally forced to face them, along with some of his own personal demons. It Will air on Starz at the end of the year.

American Gigolo (1980)

Paramount Television is partnering with Jerry Bruckheimer on a television adaptation of the 1980 Richard Gere film, American Gigolo. A pilot is in the works.

Bachelor Party (1984)

Along with the “Big” adaption, ABC are also looking at the 1984 comedy Bachelor Party, both films starring Tom Hanks. The Show will examine modern relationships and romance centred around three couples.

Big (1988)

Fox networks are working on a half hour per episode comedy. The Show will explore what it means to be a kid, set in a contemporary setting. However the film pretty much said all that was needed and with many people’s nostalgic view of the original film, BIG will need something special in order to get our approval.

The Devils Advocate (1997)

NBC are working on a potential legal drama series, with a dark twist. Think Law and Order mixed with Supernatural. A pilot is in the works.

Frequency (2000)

NBC has ordered a script for a time twisting drama series based off the Denis Quaid Sci-Fi thriller Frequency. However Sci-Fi dramas aren’t as popular as they used to be, so a good script and solid ideas are needed here.

Galaxy Quest (1999)

Paramount has been rummaging around it’s library for properties to adapt to TV, and pulled out the comedy film Galaxy Quest. The TV version would keep the same premise as the movie, that see’s a group of actors from a fictional scifi TV series, facing off against a real alien threat.

Ghost (1990)

This well love film was announced as being up for a Series back in 2013. A script was written but no word yet what is happening beyond that. The Series would see a murdered husband ghost haunt his wife in order to protect her from the people that murder him.

Hitch (2005)

Will Smith and his wife Jada Pinkett Smith will be working with FOX to bring the troubled project into play. Hitch is to be a single-camera comedy workplace comedy that “explores dating and sexual politics.”. However, we first heard about this back in 2008, with some news that it’s still on last October. Still no word of a pilot though!

The Illusionist (2006)

This one boggles my mind. The awful 2006 film saw a magician vies for the hand of his love against a crown prince. The CW are no strangers to period drama’s and are hoping to win rating s with a touch of magic.

In Good Company (2004)

CBS has given a script commitment based on the 2004 Comedy. The TV series, will centre on a middle-aged exec who has to deal with his new, much younger, boss who’s also dating his daughter.

Limitless (2011)

A sequel TV series has been green lit by CBS, about a man who discovers a pill that allows him to access 100% of his brain. Following on from the film left off, Limitless will see a new Character “discovers the mysterious drug NZT, and is coerced into using his newfound, powerful drug-enhanced abilities to solve weekly cases for the FBI.”

Marley and Me (2008)

NBC has order a pilot for follow up to the 2008 hit Marley and Me. The Show will pick up where the film left off, With John and Jenny discovering a neglected puppy. Tissues at the ready!

Minority Report (2012)

Swiftly moving in at FOX, The 2002 sci-fi/crime thriller Minority Report is getting the TV treatment, with Steven Spielberg helping out. The show will be a sequel taking place a decade after the events of the Film. Set in Washington DC, a pre-cog teams up with a troubled detective, probably to solve crimes and stuff.

The Mist (2007)

Frank Darabont is no stranger to making good TV, having helmed the first series of the walking dead. He is now eyeing up a 10 part TV series based on story by Stephen King and being a remake of the 2007 supernatural thriller film.

Monster in Law (2005)

The 2005 Rom-Com Monster in Law is being adapted by fox in a follow up half hour show. Taking the same direction led by the movie. It will be a half hour sit com.

The People Under the Stairs (1991)

Syfy will be getting a pilot for a series adaptation of the 1991 film The People Under the Stairs. Wes Craven, the film’s director, has signed a first-look deal with Universal Cable Productions with Syfy hopefully airing the show if it gets past the pilot stage.

Problem Child (1990)

I could see this one working. NBC are working on a script that would see a couples newly adopted son causing mayhem, based on the (late) John Ritter helmed comedy film.

Real Genius (1985)

NBC is helming this TV adaptation of Val Kilmers satirical comedy Real Genius. The show will centres on the relationship between a genius and his shy, naive co-worker. However this just sounds like a new version of the Big Bang Theory.

Rush Hour (1998)

Despite the Beverly Hills Cop sequel TV show being rejected after a pilot, CBS seem determined to get some comedy cop love, with a commitment to create a pilot for the TV adaptation of Rush Hour.

School of Rock (2003)

Nickelodeon has ordered 13 episodes, for a TV adaptation of the 2003 Jack Black comedy, School of Rock. Sadley, Black will not be involved. The Show will be a remake following Dewey Finn and his exploits as a fake substitute teacher at a prep school.

Scream (1996)

MTV and Dimension TV are producing a modern take on the Scream series. Taking the story in a different directions, the TV show will see new characters faced with a series of grisly murders and small town of Lakewood’s troubled past will be revealed. The show airs June 30, 2015.

Shooter (2007)

TNT are adapting a drama series based on the 2007 conspiracy thriller Shooter, with reports that Mark Wahlberg will be producing the project. Having starred in the mediocre film, TNT are hoping that Wahlberg will give the film some direction.

Shutter Island (2010)

The spooky DiCaprio film Shutter Island is to be developed into a TV series, with original Film director, Martin Scorsese directing the pilot episode. Developed by HBO, they seem to be pulling out all the stops to get this on the air.

Sin City (2005)

The details about a TV adaptation of the 2005 film Sin City are slim, but if any film would fit a TV series, Sin City would be the one. With multiple characters and endless story opportunities, it would be an action packed thriller, sure to please TV audience.

Star Wars (1977)

The Star Wars live action TV show has been rumoured for years. But fresh news is that a series is picking up speed, potentially using some of the sets built for the new movies.

The Terminator (1984)

With a new movie about to hit the big screen, The Terminator is rumoured to be getting a small screen tie in as well. The TV series would see the continuation of the new films timeline and could help tie future films together. No doubt we will hear more once the film premiers, and will problem see a pilot only if the film is successful.

The Truman Show (1998)

Paramount are working on adapting the Jim Carey 1998 hit comedy, The Truman Show. Very early days on this one, so not much news apart from the announcement.

Uncle Buck (1989)

ABC are helming the adaptation of the classic 1989 comedy film Uncle Buck. It will be a remake of the film, with the same characters and set up.

Underworld (2003)

With Underworld 5 expected to begin shooting in the spring, other news is that a TV series might be on the cards. As lead Kate Beckinsale won’t be in the fifth instalment of the films, maybe she will return in the show?

West World (1973)

HBO’s adaptation of the classic Michael Crichton movie West World, is approaching fast. With Anthony Hopkins and Ed Harris starring, this sci fi thriller set in a Western theme park, complete with android “cowboys”, could be the big show you were waiting for.