The creator of “Babylon Five” has been hired to write the script for the updated “Forbidden Planet” according to the Hollywood Reporter.
J. Michael Straczynski will update the classic science-fiction screenplay for Warner Brothers. Joel Silver is set to produced the new “Planet.”
Warner Brothers quietly acquired the rights to the “Planet” remake earlier this year from DreamWorks. An update of the classic movie has been in development for several years now.
Loosely based on Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” the original “Planet” told the story of an Earth expedition sent to check-in on a colony of scientist on a remote planet. The crew finds two members of the colony still alive, Dr. Morbius and his daughter. They also find that Morbius has discovered an alien technology that doubled his intellect and that the two have survived despite an unseen montter roaming the planet.
Released in 1956, the original was directed by Fred Wilcox, starred Walter Pidgeon, Anne Francis and Leslie Nielsen, but is perhaps best known for the character Robbie the Robot.
Straczynski is best known for his work on TV’s “Babylon Five.” He has also worked on several Marvel Comic book titles, including a long run on “The Amazing Spider-Man.” Straczynski is the writer for Clint Eastwood’s latest film, “Changeling” which opens today in theaters.
No word yet on who will direct “Planet” or a time table for production.
This might be an ‘updated’ movie that is better than the original. . . . I hope!
Yeah! If the Great Maker is doing it, then it will be wonderful!
I hope this will be a really “dark” version – has potential for it.
Nooooooooo!!!
This is one movie that doesn’t need to be remade. even the effects are surprisingly good in this classic. Remake something that was awful or too big in scope to pull off the first time, not movies that are already great.