SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT is Getting a Series Remake From David Gordon Green
The classic 1977 Burt Reynolds movie Smokey and the Bandit is getting a TV series remake from Halloween director David Gordon Green and Brian Sides. They are developing the project with UCP and Seth MacFarlane’s Fuzzy Door.
The movie followed two bootleggers, Bo ‘Bandit’ Darville and Cledus ‘Snowman’ Snow, attempting to illegally transport 400 cases of beer from Texarkana to Atlanta as they are being chased by the county sheriff Buford T. Justice.
As for the series, it’s described as an “epic adventure of family, small-town crime, unlikely heroes, legend and legacy. Inspired by the genre of 70s and 80s drive-in double-features, the series explores the crossroads where humble realities meet those larger-than-life, all in a blast of tailpipe exhaust.”
Gordon Green and Sides are both writing the script for the series and Gordon Green will direct the pilot episode. He will also executive produce the show alongside Danny McBride. Gordon Green said in a statement:
“Growing up in the south, Smokey and the Bandit was an iconic franchise for me. The legacy of these characters is a playground of swagger and sass that I’m excited to dig into.”
Producer Erica Huggins added:
“When UCP mentioned Smokey and the Bandit we were immediately drawn to it. We knew we had to remain faithful to its original setting in the South, and find an authentic voice. David’s immediate interest and his unique perspective and love for the original made it possible. Smokey and the Bandit was a very cool and irreverent film at the time and we hope to achieve that same feeling in the show.”
It’s been a very long time since I’ve watched the original Smokey and the Bandit movie. I really don’t remember that much about it, so I think I’ll revisit it soon. I’m sure that David Gordan Green and his creative team will deliver a fun series, though!
Source: Deadline