.
.
Well, I guess it was only a matter of time before the immensely popular TV series GILLIGAN’S ISLAND got a big screen update. In many ways I thought this one might never happen, but according to Variety, Warner Brothers and Atlas Entertainment have started developing a feature film based on the memorable CBS sitcom from the 1960’s. The original GILLIGAN’S ISLAND ran fron 1964 until 1967, but has been repeatedly embraced from generation to generation, thanks to the magic of syndication. I have fond memories of watching reruns as a kid, and getting more than a few chuckles from Gilligan’s antics. Though like you, I often wondered why the otherwise brilliant professor couldn’t figure out a simple way to get them off the stupid island.
The upcoming film will be written by Brad Copeland, and produced through Atlas by Charles Roven and Richard Suckle. The original TV show producer Sherwood Schwartz (yes, he’s still alive) is also on board to executive produce with his son Lloyd Schwartz. It’s said the film will be a moder-day version of the series storyline and characters. Apparently the Schwartz boys have already blessed Copeland’s first idea for a screenplay. Production may begin early next year, according to Roven, though they’re waiting for Copeland’s finished script before approaching a cast or director.
Charles Roven also stated, “The characters are so good, we think it’s going to be a great story to transport these cultural icons to the modern day.”
"Gilligan, I think this could be a BAD idea!"
The original GILLIGAN’S ISLAND starred Bob Denver, Alan Hale Jr., Tina Louise, Dawn Wells, Jim Backus, Russell Johnson and Natalie Schafer. It ran for 98 episodes, the final of which aired on April 17, 1967. Though the cast never made it off the island during the run, multiple TV specials were released afterward, including one in which the Harlem Globetrotters visited. How great would it be if the Globetrotters somehow played a part in this new film? Yeah, I know, probably not.
You may also be interested to know that Sherwood Schwartz said in an interview last year that he was interested in Michael Cera playing the role of Gilligan. Gotta say, that’s pretty dead on casting, if it happens.
Variety noted the Charles Roven’s credits include BATMAN BEGINS and THE DARK KNIGHT, along with both SCOOBY-DOO films. Brad Copeland is working on a script for FLIGHT OF THE NAVIGATOR for Disney (yep, they’re remaking that too), and has previously penned WILD HOGS. But before you get too scared, he’s also written for ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT and MY NAME IS EARL. Okay, let’s be honest, no one really wants to see this get made, but if done right it could be a fun distraction. I think the key is casting, and making sure they play it VERY tongue-in-cheek. What are your thoughts? Tell us in the comments below.
Source: Variety
Born and raised in Dallas, Mark has been a movie critic since 1994, with reviews featured in print, radio and National TV. In 2001 he started the Entertainment section of the Herorealm website, where he contributed film reviews and celebrity interviews until 2004. After three years of service there, he started Bigfanboy.com, which has become one of the Dallas film community's leading information websites. Bigfanboy hosts several movie screenings in the Texas area, and works closely with film and TV studios and promotional partners to host exciting events and contests. The site also features a variety of rare celebrity and filmmaker interviews, and Bigfanboy.com regularly covers the film festival circuit as well. In addition to Hollywood reporting, Mark has worked for many years as an advertising and sci-fi/comic book artist. Clients have included Lucasfilm Ltd., Topps Trading Cards, The Dallas Mavericks and The Dallas Stars. From 2002 until 2015 he managed the Dallas Comic Con, Sci-Fi Expo and Fan Days events in the DFW area. He currently catalogs rare comic books and movie memorabilia for Heritage Auctions, and runs the Dallas Comic Show conventions, but remains an avid moviegoer and cinema buff. 
