After months of rumors and speculation television and film producer Stephen J. Cannell, creator of the 1980s TV series “The Greatest American Hero,” has confirmed that a major big screen motion picture will be made from that fan favorite series.
The original television series had actor William Katt starring as Ralph Hinkley, a school teacher who comes into possession of a red alien suit that allows him to exhibit superpowers, however, the suit didn’t come with an (understandable) operator’s manual, so Hinkley pretty much bungles his way through while saving the day.
“We’ve written a screenplay, and we’ve hired a director, and we’re in the midst of putting this together for the future,” Cannell said.
Taking center seat will be “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure” director Stephen Herek.
Cannell also stated that the film will showcase “More than cameos” for ex-series stars William Katt, Connie Sellecca and Robert Culp.
“I took a sneak peak at the script, and it’s absolutely charming and wonderful,” Katt stated. “I know people are going to love it.”
There is also a new “The Greatest America Hero” comic book due out this November and a series of four-minute webisodes voiced by Katt, Sellecca and Culp.
As I remember it the suit did come with an instruction manual, but one of the first things Ralph did was, book in hand, use the instructions in the book to shrink himself. Then placing the book on a nearby boulder (aka: a grain of sand) he read the instructions to restore himself to normal size. Unfortunately, since he wasn’t holding the book, he returned to normal but the book didn’t. Let the hijinx commence!
Excellent news – loved this series when I was a kid and was over-joyed when they all appeared on DVD.
“however, the suit didn’t come with an operator’s manual, so Hinkley pretty much bungles his way through while saving the day.” – oh but it did come with a manual, he just kept losing it and when he did have it he couldn’t read it – LOL
Thanks Taomyn. I originally intended to use the word “understandable” in the article but it was left out. Appreciate you catching that so we could correct the omission.
“Believe or not, I’m walking on air…” I used to love that show!