CBS Conjuring Up Bewitched Remake - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 08-09-2011, 09:06 PM

EXCLUSIVE: CBS has ordered a script from Sony Pictures Television for a remake of the classic TV comedy "Bewitched."

It's not a surprise that CBS would gravitate to a project with a pre-sold brand like "Bewitched," having scored one of the few hits of the 2010-11 season with "Hawaii Five-0," another TV reboot. Sony also is behind another remake getting buzz heading into the coming season, "Charlie's Angels," on ABC.

The "Bewitched" film didn't exactly bewitch moviegoers at the box office, though, even with Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell as its stars. Pic earned just $63 million domestically, and reportedly cost upward of $80 million. Pic grossed an additional $68 million overseas.

Douglas Wick and Lucy Fisher, the married couple behind the 2005 film version, are on board to exec produce through their Red Wagon shingle. Marc Lawrence ("Did You Hear About the Morgans?"), who will write the script, is also an exec producer.

"Bewitched" ran for eight seasons on ABC beginning in 1964. Elizabeth Montgomery starred as a witch with magic powers who also happened to be a suburban mom married to a perpetually put-upon mortal husband, played by Dick York, who was succeeded in 1969 by Dick Sargent.

"Bewitched" is just one of about a dozen comedy scripts Sony has gotten orders from at the broadcast level even though it's still relatively early in the development season.

CBS declined comment.

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118041122

catlover79 · 08-09-2011, 09:25 PM

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!

Reverend Jim · 08-09-2011, 09:35 PM

catlover79 · 08-09-2011, 09:48 PM

Careful, CBS - Mother is watching!!! Hopefully, she'll turn these execs into penguins.

Marvo301 · 08-09-2011, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!

What made Bewitched special was the Amazing cast. Their talent and incredible chemistry can never be duplicated and it should never even be attempted!!!

catlover79 · 08-09-2011, 10:44 PM

Not to mention the terrific writing, especially by Danny Arnold in the first season. The effects still hold up today - now they'd be using CGI.

Marvo301 · 08-09-2011, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

Not to mention the terrific writing, especially by Danny Arnold in the first season. The effects still hold up today - now they'd be using CGI.

What the original cast and crew did for 8 years truly was magic! And it's the sort of magic that could never be duplicated with modern technology like CGI. It would be the equivalent of cooking a gourmet meal in a microwave!! Yech!!!

JamesG · 08-10-2011, 12:35 AM

I smell fail here.

lucyandethel · 08-10-2011, 01:19 AM

Considering the movie remake was technically considered a bomb, that makes no sense to have the people behind the movie making a TV series.

catlover79 · 08-10-2011, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesG

I smell fail here.

Like Endora herself said at the end of episode 2, sitting on the roof of Samantha and Darrin's new home, "Believe me, it will never work!" Then she starts cackling.

catlover79 · 08-10-2011, 01:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lucyandethel

Considering the movie remake was technically considered a bomb, that makes no sense to have the people behind the movie making a TV series.

My sentiments exactly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

JamesG · 08-10-2011, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Article

It's not a surprise that CBS would gravitate to a project with a pre-sold brand like "Bewitched," having scored one of the few hits of the 2010-11 season with "Hawaii Five-0," another TV reboot. Sony also is behind another remake getting buzz heading into the coming season, "Charlie's Angels," on ABC.

The new "Hawaii Five-0" was a fluke.

There are more tv remake/reboot series that failed vs. the ones that made it.

Family Ties Forever! · 08-10-2011, 01:35 AM

I think they should leave tv shows alone. It's bad enough that movies have been remade. I can't imagine classic shows like Bewitched, Family Ties, etc. remade. It seems wrong.

Quote:

http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/...810-1ilmb.html

Re-witched: studios looking back for magic Giles Hardie
August 10, 2011 - 2:38PM

Dick York and Elizabeth Montgomery in the original television series Bewitched

TV series Bewitched to get a 21st century remake. Bewitched, the beloved TV series that became a beleagured movie may become a TV series again. U.S. television network CBS has ordered a script for a potential remake of Bewitched from Sony Pictures Television the Hollywood Reporter noted today. Screenwriter Marc Lawrence, who started out writing for the Michael J Fox sitcom Family Ties and has recently penned the scripts for such rom-coms as Miss Congeniality 1 & 2, Music & Lyrics and Two Weeks Notice, has been given the duties of updating the nose-twitching witch. Red Wagon, the procution team behind the much-maligned cinema adaptation starring Will Ferrell and Nicole Kidman, will produce the new series.

The original Bewitched ran for eight seasons from 1964 to 1972, starring Elizabeth Montgomery as Samantha, and Dick York (and later Dick Sargent) as her mortal husband Darrin. Remakes of classic TV series are a popular option with American networks at the moment, following the success of Hawaii Five-O for CBS and 90210 on the CW network. Though the formula is far from a guarantee for success. NBC's Knight Rider reboot lasted less than a season, and a remake of Wonder Woman was recently rejected after a woeful pilot episode.

comedyfreak · 08-10-2011, 07:57 AM

If I may add some positive in all this bushois. If they do it right it could work, it's all in the casting for chemistry between the cast. This would be the time for Erin Murphy to be cast as Samantha. Let's all write CBS and give our suggestions on who should be Sam, Darrin, Mother, Larry, Louise, and the Kravitz'. Who knows maybe Diane Murphy would be down to playing Serena. Think of the possibilities.

old grouch · 08-10-2011, 09:36 AM

Or they could do a sequel with Erin Murphy as a grown up Tabitha.

08-09-2011, 09:06 PM	#1
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: 34,408	CBS Conjuring Up Bewitched Remake EXCLUSIVE: CBS has ordered a script from Sony Pictures Television for a remake of the classic TV comedy "Bewitched." It's not a surprise that CBS would gravitate to a project with a pre-sold brand like "Bewitched," having scored one of the few hits of the 2010-11 season with "Hawaii Five-0," another TV reboot. Sony also is behind another remake getting buzz heading into the coming season, "Charlie's Angels," on ABC. The "Bewitched" film didn't exactly bewitch moviegoers at the box office, though, even with Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell as its stars. Pic earned just $63 million domestically, and reportedly cost upward of $80 million. Pic grossed an additional $68 million overseas. Douglas Wick and Lucy Fisher, the married couple behind the 2005 film version, are on board to exec produce through their Red Wagon shingle. Marc Lawrence ("Did You Hear About the Morgans?"), who will write the script, is also an exec producer. "Bewitched" ran for eight seasons on ABC beginning in 1964. Elizabeth Montgomery starred as a witch with magic powers who also happened to be a suburban mom married to a perpetually put-upon mortal husband, played by Dick York, who was succeeded in 1969 by Dick Sargent. "Bewitched" is just one of about a dozen comedy scripts Sony has gotten orders from at the broadcast level even though it's still relatively early in the development season. CBS declined comment. http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118041122
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08-09-2011, 09:25 PM	#2
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,382	NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!
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08-09-2011, 09:48 PM	#4
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,382	Careful, CBS - Mother is watching!!! Hopefully, she'll turn these execs into penguins. Attached Images

08-10-2011, 07:57 AM	#14
comedyfreak Cheers! Forum Fanatic Join Date: Dec 14, 2005 Location: Sunny California Posts: 11,060	If I may add some positive in all this bushois. If they do it right it could work, it's all in the casting for chemistry between the cast. This would be the time for Erin Murphy to be cast as Samantha. Let's all write CBS and give our suggestions on who should be Sam, Darrin, Mother, Larry, Louise, and the Kravitz'. Who knows maybe Diane Murphy would be down to playing Serena. Think of the possibilities.
	__________________ www.facebook.com/comedyfreak

08-09-2011, 09:35 PM	#3
Reverend Jim Member Forum Regular Join Date: Feb 08, 2009 Location: New York City Posts: 783

08-09-2011, 10:44 PM	#6
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,382	Not to mention the terrific writing, especially by Danny Arnold in the first season. The effects still hold up today - now they'd be using CGI.

08-10-2011, 12:35 AM	#8
JamesG Freakshow Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 57,136	I smell fail here.

08-10-2011, 01:19 AM	#9
lucyandethel Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Dec 18, 2009 Location: Los Angeles CA Posts: 435	Considering the movie remake was technically considered a bomb, that makes no sense to have the people behind the movie making a TV series.

08-10-2011, 09:36 AM	#15
old grouch Member Senior Member Join Date: May 13, 2010 Location: montana Posts: 1,877	Or they could do a sequel with Erin Murphy as a grown up Tabitha.