History is taking on one of most celebrated TV programs of all time, blockbuster 1977 miniseries Roots. The cable network is planning a new eight-hour Roots miniseries after acquiring rights to the 12-hour original from Mark Wolper, son of Roots executive producer, the late David L. Wolper, and to the book the mini was based on, Roots: The Saga Of An American Family, from the estate of author Alex Haley. Mark Wolper is on board as executive producer. The network is about to start discussions with writers for the project, which will draw both on the book and the original mini from a contemporary perspective. “We would like to revive that cultural icon for a new audience,” said History EVP and GM Dirk Hoogstra. The project originated with a remark by one of Hoogstra’s executives, VP Development and Programming Michael Stiller, who suggested the network should try to remake Roots. The idea was put into motion, and meetings were set up with Mark Wolper and the attorney representing the Haley estate. As talks progressed, it emerged that there was a second Roots remake project out there from different original auspices that had been eyed by FX. In the end, History stepped up and secured rights, clearing the way for a new Roots mini on the cable network.
Source: deadline
Source: deadline
This is a terrible idea. If someone wants to see Roots, they should just go buy or rent Roots. Why remake a universally praised piece of television that is so respected and culturally significant that it was accepted into the National Film Registry at the Library of Congress?
ReplyDeleteThey got it right the first time.
I couldn't agree more, Bruce! To hell with all the damn reboots!
ReplyDeleteEnough already Hollywood, we don't need anymore remakes of tv shows, movies or miniseries. Come up with Original ideas, aren't there any creative writers that can come up with original stuff. Apparently not, they need to get people can come up with original stuff. Remakes are never good and they fail big time.
ReplyDeleteWhat's with all the remakes? Seriously? Enough already.
ReplyDeleteRemakes are all the rage. Next season they are going to remake 90210 for a new and younger generation. It shall be called Nine-Oh-Two-One-Oh. Believe it!
ReplyDeleteHmmm...
ReplyDeleteNot sure how I feel about this honestly.
On one hand I think the original was a phenomenal classic and any remake is likely to pale in comparison, but...
On the other hand I think the story is such a monumental story that needs to be told and seen by a younger generation. I'm not sure telling them to rent it on Netflix would have the same impact as a new series on TV. In fact, I'm sure it would not.
I'd watch it... looking forward to it.... it was a movie from the late 70's and if its done well .. I think it would be good...
ReplyDelete