By Gavin Boyle
Universal Studios tapped the creators behind the Netflix series COBRA KAI to create a movie based on the ’80s hit show KNIGHT RIDER.
“Jon Hurwitz, Hayden Schlossberg and Josh Heald, the creators behind the worldwide Netflix sensation [COBRA KAI], are in talks to bring KNIGHT RIDER, the 1980s action drama centered on a computerized talking car, to the big screen,” The Hollywood Reporter reported.
The group will be joined by Kelly McCormick and David Leitch as producers, along with Gary Barber and Chris Stone. Other details, like casting or a release window, have not been shared.
Related: THE KARATE KID Actor Talks COBRA KAI Redemption Arc: ‘What the Whole Show Is About’
The KNIGHT RIDER franchise previously looked at a movie with a full script developed by Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider. Hurwitz, Schlossberg and Heald are expected to work with the previous script, which brought the franchise into the present day, while placing their own creative spin on it as well.
Though they have no connection to previous KNIGHT RIDER productions, the trio has established themselves as being able to juggle the difficulty of bringing a beloved franchise to the modern-day audience without ostracizing its older fans. COBRA KAI is one of the most popular shows on Netflix and has thrilled old and new fans of the KARATE KID series alike.
“From the beginning, it was incredibly rewarding to have the validation that there was a giant fandom out there, waiting for this show the way that we imagined there would be. For us, KARATE KID was on the same level as STAR WARS for little kids in the early 80s, devouring everything that came to cinema, and in terms of movies that we re-watched again and again. When we got to VCRs and eventually DVD players, KARATE KID was always in heavy rotation. It was so many themes that felt timeless, and there was that excitement of showing it to your kids,” Heald said.
No doubt, there will be a similarly enthused fandom for KNIGHT RIDER, given how popular the show was. The franchise is surely in good hands with these three in charge as they bring Michael Knight and the beloved KITT to a new generation.
KNIGHT RIDER is not the only classic franchise that Universal has expressed interest in recently. In April, TOP GUN: MAVERICK director Joseph Kosinski was tapped by the studio to direct a MIAMI VICE remake. It will be interesting to see if these older franchises can connect with a new audience, or if their time in the spotlight has passed.
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