WBK remake with Ice-T as Kotter?... - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

T-Greg · 03-14-2006, 02:14 PM

I heard this on the radio this morning. There was a discussion of TV show and movie remakes. I don't know if this will happen, but it sounds stupid!

Brian Damage · 03-14-2006, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T-Greg

I heard this on the radio this morning. There was a discussion of TV show and movie remakes. I don't know if this will happen, but it sounds stupid!

When I think of comedy, Ice-T is the first person that jumps to mind.

Zoneboy · 03-14-2006, 03:07 PM

It's actually supposed to star Ice-Cube but either way, It's probably gonna be stupid.

Sweathogs Rule! Cube Welcomes Back "Kotter" By Gina Serpe

Bring out the Welcome wagon.

Ice Cube has signed on to play the title role in a film adaptation of the classic 1970s TV series Welcome Back, Kotter, it was announced Tuesday.

As part of his deal with Dimension Films, Cube will also coproduce the redo of the former ABC series that turned John Travolta into a household name.

"There was no bigger fan of the original show than me, and I'm very excited to be able to put a new twist on it," the Barbershop star tells Variety.

Cube will play the titular Gabe Kotter, a slacker turned teacher who returns to his inner-city alma mater and who sees himself in the new batch of underprivileged troublemakers. He works to inspire the seemingly apathetic students, known as the Sweathogs.

The gang of kids is led by scatterbrained himbo Vinnie Barbarino, played in the original incarnation by Travolta. The original 'hogs also included the super suave Freddie "Boom-Boom" Washington (originally played by Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs), the tough-talking Juan Luis Pedro Phillipo de Huevos Epstein ( Robert Hegyes), and nasally nerd Arnold Dingfelder Horshack ( Ron Palillo) and were responsible for injecting retorts like "up your nose with a rubber hose" into the cultural vernacular.

Gabe Kaplan, who played Kotter in the original 1975-79 series, also created the show with partner Alan Sacks and retained the rights. He said that despite heavy interest from studios over the years, they held out on adapting Kotter until the right pitch came along.

"We were skeptical about selling Kotter because making a great movie from a TV show can be challenging," Kaplan said in a statement. "After meeting with the Weinsteins [Harvey and Bob Weinstein run Dimension], we knew they were the right ones to bring this project to the screen."

No word on whether any of the original stars will make cameos in the film, though if the recent influx of box office remakes are any indication, it's highly likely that some of the old gang will pay their respects. Likewise, we assume that Cube will give a hip-hop spin to the classic "Welcome Back" theme song, originally crooned by John Sebastian.

The Hot Chick's Tom Brady has signed on to write and direct Kotter.

Production is expected to kick off this fall, after filming is complete on Cube's next project, Are We Done Yet?, a sequel to last year's surprise hit Are We There Yet?, which happens to be another remake--this time based loosely on Mr. Blandings Builds His Dreamhouse. Cameras roll on that film in Vancouver this June.

T-Greg · 03-14-2006, 03:26 PM

I would MUCH rather see a reunion movie with the same characters, wouldn't everyone else? I believe all the main characters are living, except the principal. They could either do a show and reminisce, or do it like a "what are they up to now" show. Let's see. Kotter is retired, living in Florida and plays golf everyday, Freddie Washington is a retired NBA player, Epstein became a professional con man, Barberino became a sex therapist and married one of his patients, Kelly Preston...lol (she is so hot!), Horshack came out of the closet...

vashti1999 · 03-15-2006, 12:49 AM

The only good news that could come from this is that they might finally release season sets of the series on dvd. The show is all I care about, screw a movie.

Ireneparalegal · 03-15-2006, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Damage

When I think of comedy, Ice-T is the first person that jumps to mind.

after all the bad remakes you would think they would give up on remaking good sitcoms. Damn!

Cheryl Harrell · 03-15-2006, 05:03 AM

It won't be any good without the orgionals. Only John Travolta is Vinnie Barbarino. I guess I'll see it out of curiosity but it won't be right unless the origionals are in it. I'd rather see a reunion movie...

Adamantium · 03-15-2006, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vashti1999

The only good news that could come from this is that they might finally release season sets of the series on dvd. The show is all I care about, screw a movie.

That's exactly what I was thinking this morning. Hopefully that will help get out season sets. That's what happened to 'Bewitched.' Except of course, they're from different companies.

I wonder who they'll get to play Beau.

T-Greg · 03-15-2006, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adamantium

That's exactly what I was thinking this morning. Hopefully that will help get out season sets. That's what happened to 'Bewitched.' Except of course, they're from different companies.

I wonder who they'll get to play Beau.

I guess it could have a negative effect if the movie is real bad! The movie MIGHT spark a renewed interest in those who are old enough to remember the show, but if it's bad, anyone who's too young to know about WBK, might assume it's a stupid TV show too. Therefore, they better do this right....if that's even possible.

dlemond · 03-15-2006, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vashti1999

The only good news that could come from this is that they might finally release season sets of the series on dvd. The show is all I care about, screw a movie.

Good point.

I think a DVD season set must be on the horizon then if you look at the pattern of the other sitcoms made into movies.

robyrob · 03-15-2006, 08:22 PM

perhaps if they make a movie that reaches the absolute pinnacle of suckitude it will finally kill the tv-remake fad

(so far it sounds like they are well on their way to that goal)

Dr. Thong · 03-16-2006, 08:20 PM

Bad idea. I can't see Ice-T cracking bad jokes like Gabe Kaplan did. I will not be going to see this, nor will I rent this. What's next? Brad Pitt as Beau Delabarre???

It would be fitting - a bad actor playing a bad character.

vashti1999 · 03-16-2006, 09:49 PM

Access Hollywood covered the AOL In2tv launch party and interviewed Gabe Kaplan and Marcia Strassman, who were there representing WBK. Kaplan mentioned that the movie will be set in South Central LA!!!! The only WBK I know is set in Brooklyn, New York. Maybe I shouldn't judge it when it hasn't been made yet, but the idea of this movie is sounding worse and worse by the minute.

Janice · 03-16-2006, 10:09 PM

Kaplan: Ice Cube a Great Pick for 'Kotter'

(AP) This file photo originally from ABC shows members of the cast of television sitcom "Welcome Back,...
Full Image

NEW YORK (AP) - Former "Welcome Back, Kotter" creator-star Gabe Kaplan says rapper-actor Ice Cube is a great choice to play his old role in the big-screen remake of the hit 1970s TV series.

In an interview that was to air Thursday, Kaplan tells "Access Hollywood" he thinks Ice Cube "is the perfect guy... He has shown what kind of crossover appeal he has."

In the TV original, Kaplan portrayed compassionate teacher Gabe Kotter, who returns to his former Brooklyn high school to teach a new generation of troublemakers, including John Travolta's Vinnie Barbarino.

That formula will be updated in Ice Cube's version, which Kaplan feels "will totally be acceptable. I think that the setting is going to be in South Central L.A. He is going to be just like how I was in Brooklyn."

Besides starring as the young teacher, Ice Cube, 36, will also produce the movie, Bob Weinstein, co-president of The Weinstein Company, said in a statement earlier this week.

No other casting or release date has been announced. When "Access" asks about his ideal cast, Kaplan, 60, jokes, "Well, I think Snoop Dogg will play Horshack, Vanilla Ice would play Barbarino... I don't know."

magellan333 · 03-17-2006, 12:48 AM

I see another disaster like the "Dukes of Hazzard" movie on the horizon.

03-14-2006, 02:14 PM	#1
T-Greg Member Senior Member Join Date: Jul 17, 2003 Location: Louisiana Posts: 1,711	WBK remake with Ice-T as Kotter?... I heard this on the radio this morning. There was a discussion of TV show and movie remakes. I don't know if this will happen, but it sounds stupid!

03-14-2006, 03:07 PM	#3
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,381	It's actually supposed to star Ice-Cube but either way, It's probably gonna be stupid. Sweathogs Rule! Cube Welcomes Back "Kotter" By Gina Serpe Bring out the Welcome wagon. Ice Cube has signed on to play the title role in a film adaptation of the classic 1970s TV series Welcome Back, Kotter, it was announced Tuesday. As part of his deal with Dimension Films, Cube will also coproduce the redo of the former ABC series that turned John Travolta into a household name. "There was no bigger fan of the original show than me, and I'm very excited to be able to put a new twist on it," the Barbershop star tells Variety. Cube will play the titular Gabe Kotter, a slacker turned teacher who returns to his inner-city alma mater and who sees himself in the new batch of underprivileged troublemakers. He works to inspire the seemingly apathetic students, known as the Sweathogs. The gang of kids is led by scatterbrained himbo Vinnie Barbarino, played in the original incarnation by Travolta. The original 'hogs also included the super suave Freddie "Boom-Boom" Washington (originally played by Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs), the tough-talking Juan Luis Pedro Phillipo de Huevos Epstein ( Robert Hegyes), and nasally nerd Arnold Dingfelder Horshack ( Ron Palillo) and were responsible for injecting retorts like "up your nose with a rubber hose" into the cultural vernacular. Gabe Kaplan, who played Kotter in the original 1975-79 series, also created the show with partner Alan Sacks and retained the rights. He said that despite heavy interest from studios over the years, they held out on adapting Kotter until the right pitch came along. "We were skeptical about selling Kotter because making a great movie from a TV show can be challenging," Kaplan said in a statement. "After meeting with the Weinsteins [Harvey and Bob Weinstein run Dimension], we knew they were the right ones to bring this project to the screen." No word on whether any of the original stars will make cameos in the film, though if the recent influx of box office remakes are any indication, it's highly likely that some of the old gang will pay their respects. Likewise, we assume that Cube will give a hip-hop spin to the classic "Welcome Back" theme song, originally crooned by John Sebastian. The Hot Chick's Tom Brady has signed on to write and direct Kotter. Production is expected to kick off this fall, after filming is complete on Cube's next project, Are We Done Yet?, a sequel to last year's surprise hit Are We There Yet?, which happens to be another remake--this time based loosely on Mr. Blandings Builds His Dreamhouse. Cameras roll on that film in Vancouver this June.
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads.

03-15-2006, 12:49 AM	#5
vashti1999 NY METS - #1 Forum Fanatic Join Date: Oct 14, 2003 Location: The world's greatest city - New York City Posts: 11,404	The *only* good news that could come from this is that they might finally release season sets of the series on dvd. The show is all I care about, screw a movie.
	__________________ .

03-15-2006, 05:03 AM	#7
Cheryl Harrell I Love You Mike 4-Ever Forum Veteran Join Date: Mar 23, 2001 Location: Pixley!!!! Actually VA--USA LOL! Posts: 6,192	It won't be any good without the orgionals. Only John Travolta is Vinnie Barbarino. I guess I'll see it out of curiosity but it won't be right unless the origionals are in it. I'd rather see a reunion movie...
	__________________ RIP darling Mike. I love you forever... You are with Freddie Prinze & Jesus now. 1951-2009 "Make it your way, who can beat the Lord, the Son of God. Dear Lord, help me be strong where I am weak, if it be your will"-- The Late Freddie Prinze Sr

03-15-2006, 08:22 PM	#11
robyrob certified wackball#3 Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Aug 03, 2003 Location: hiding under the third booth at Arnold's Posts: 58,192	perhaps if they make a movie that reaches the absolute pinnacle of suckitude it will finally kill the tv-remake fad (so far it sounds like they are well on their way to that goal)
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03-14-2006, 03:26 PM	#4
T-Greg Member Senior Member Join Date: Jul 17, 2003 Location: Louisiana Posts: 1,711	I would MUCH rather see a reunion movie with the same characters, wouldn't everyone else? I believe all the main characters are living, except the principal. They could either do a show and reminisce, or do it like a "what are they up to now" show. Let's see. Kotter is retired, living in Florida and plays golf everyday, Freddie Washington is a retired NBA player, Epstein became a professional con man, Barberino became a sex therapist and married one of his patients, Kelly Preston...lol (she is so hot!), Horshack came out of the closet...

03-16-2006, 08:20 PM	#12
Dr. Thong a/k/a "ACK!" Forum Veteran Join Date: Jul 10, 2001 Location: New Hampshire, USA Posts: 5,546	Bad idea. I can't see Ice-T cracking bad jokes like Gabe Kaplan did. I will not be going to see this, nor will I rent this. What's next? Brad Pitt as Beau Delabarre??? It would be fitting - a bad actor playing a bad character.
	__________________ "Sunday has been cancelled due to lack of interest. That is all."

03-16-2006, 09:49 PM	#13
vashti1999 NY METS - #1 Forum Fanatic Join Date: Oct 14, 2003 Location: The world's greatest city - New York City Posts: 11,404	This should NOT be called Welcome Back Kotter Access Hollywood covered the AOL In2tv launch party and interviewed Gabe Kaplan and Marcia Strassman, who were there representing WBK. Kaplan mentioned that the movie will be set in South Central LA!!!! The only WBK I know is set in Brooklyn, New York. Maybe I shouldn't judge it when it hasn't been made yet, but the idea of this movie is sounding worse and worse by the minute.

03-16-2006, 10:09 PM	#14
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	Kaplan: Ice Cube a Great Pick for 'Kotter' (AP) This file photo originally from ABC shows members of the cast of television sitcom "Welcome Back,... Full Image NEW YORK (AP) - Former "Welcome Back, Kotter" creator-star Gabe Kaplan says rapper-actor Ice Cube is a great choice to play his old role in the big-screen remake of the hit 1970s TV series. In an interview that was to air Thursday, Kaplan tells "Access Hollywood" he thinks Ice Cube "is the perfect guy... He has shown what kind of crossover appeal he has." In the TV original, Kaplan portrayed compassionate teacher Gabe Kotter, who returns to his former Brooklyn high school to teach a new generation of troublemakers, including John Travolta's Vinnie Barbarino. That formula will be updated in Ice Cube's version, which Kaplan feels "will totally be acceptable. I think that the setting is going to be in South Central L.A. He is going to be just like how I was in Brooklyn." Besides starring as the young teacher, Ice Cube, 36, will also produce the movie, Bob Weinstein, co-president of The Weinstein Company, said in a statement earlier this week. No other casting or release date has been announced. When "Access" asks about his ideal cast, Kaplan, 60, jokes, "Well, I think Snoop Dogg will play Horshack, Vanilla Ice would play Barbarino... I don't know."

03-17-2006, 12:48 AM	#15
magellan333 Member Forum Regular Join Date: Jun 26, 2003 Location: Chattanooga, TN Posts: 822	I see another disaster like the "Dukes of Hazzard" movie on the horizon.