Movie News?, Any news is good news

Spider-man, The Prisoner, Get Smart!, Greatest American Hero and Green Lantern are all cases where there were rumors for several years of new movies, and then the movies finally got greenlighted and produced. Note that Green Lantern is a recent example where a comic book has been greenlighted for the big screen. A Greatest American Hero movie is currently in production, and THE PRISONER will return to TV as an AMC TV series this November.

Alan Spencer produces excellent screenplays and he doesn't want to see his products trashed. For example, the rights to Get Smart! were sold for a remake with Steve Carrell and Anne Hathaway, and that movie was mediocre. Apparently, Alan Spencer wants to make sure that a Sledge Hammer! movie will be done right, and he probably won't cede creative control to a movie company. He would probably only do a Sledge Hammer! movie if he could control the casting, the script and other creative decisions.

In November 2004, Alan Spencer had discussions with a studio about bringing back Sledge Hammer!, but it seems those discussions broke down because the studio didn't want the original cast. The studio felt that the original cast (1) weren't big enough box office draws, and (2) were too old. They wanted bankable stars like Jim Carrey as Sledge Hammer, Reese Witherspoon as Dori Doreau and Eddie Murphy as Captain Trunk.

At this point, it is possible that Alan Spencer might be offered a deal by a studio which he finds acceptable. You never can tell what will happen. My guess is that the odds of a Sledge movie with the original cast are low - say 20% - but it is possible. Odds for a Sledge movie with a new cast are much higher - say 50%.

Personally, I've always wanted the original cast to return, and to resolve the issue of whether or not Sledge would have married Doreau. But it's nice to see that another studio is talking to Alan about bringing back Sledge.

I agree that Alan should not give up creative control. On the other hand, Alan has said elsewhere that he would only make a new Sledge Hammer! with the original cast. That may well be the same as saying there will never be a remake. It's going to take some give on that point to get a deal - my opinion.

There's a whole thread devote to alternate cast possibilities, with a lot of concensus that we'd like the originals back. Harrison would be a slam dunk if asked. David might well take the lead if asked - the question would be whether anyone would be willing to financially backstop a production with him in the lead role. Not because he wouldn't turn in a credible performance, but because, as you point out the studio might insist on someone more bankable. And the chance of Anne-Marie playing Dori Doreau is about the same as me playing Dori Doreau. If Alan wants to prove me wrong by signing her to the role and getting on with production, I'll happily eat those words at any location, before any group he can assemble. Happily as in

Alan says he's wearing sunglasses and his poker face to the meeting. Given the outcome of past meetings, I almost posted that I'd prefer he wear a cape and cowl.

I'll have to watch Facebook and see if he posts any updates.


This post has been edited by quickdrawmcgraw on August 14, 2009 05:31 pm

Quick,

Sounds good to me! I hope they can get everyone from the old cast to act in a Sledge Hammer! movie if it gets greenlighted!

Piano Man Sledgehead

But how to write it? Sledge and the others died. And together the cast are 20 years older.
A prequel is with the original cast not possible. And with new actors... i don`t think so this is a good idea.
David IS Hammer

This post has been edited by Ash on October 06, 2009 08:28 pm

Ash,

I still think the original cast SHOULD do a Sledge Hammer! movie, they are all still alive, and as you said David IS Sledge Hammer!

Piano Man Sledgehead

Ok, thats right. But if, then a Sequel. With the old cast.
And the atomicbomb explosion was a dream and that never happened
"Sledge Hammer: 20 years later"

Ash,

Yeah they could make it a dream, hollywood can do anything to make that movie!

Wish they would make it soon!

Piano Man Sledgehead

i thought up a story for a "sledge begins" type movie where i would have been the lead (not a complete ego trip i actually am an aspiring actor) but i never really got around to transering into a script

i think ive almost got a good stroy for a "sledge returns after a long absence" type film for rasche to do (usign the return of sledge hammer story as a basis) i just might write a script and post it up here

This post has been edited by sludgehammer on November 07, 2009 08:38 pm

sludgehammer,

Feel free to post your script.

Somehow, someway, Sledge Hammer! will return.

i think ill go for a sort of sequel/reboot


everything in the show happened except for the explosion

sludgehammer!

Nice to meet you on the forum and I would love to see your script if you get it typed up!

Piano Man Sledgehead