Since word of a big-screen remake of 70s, British TV show The Professionals was received early last year, not much has moved on the project. But now Lionsgate UK have snatched up the rights and look to be putting the wheels in motion, with big names being linked to the lead roles.
Originally airing from 1977-1983, The Professionals was about the fictional agency “CI5” (imagine a cross between the police and MI5), it’s two best agents Doyle and Bodie and their boss Cowley. The series was often described as a “British Starsky and Hutch” due to the two leads and an iconic car (though, being from the UK as I am, let me tell you that a Ford Capri was nowhere near as cool as a Gran Torino) but also attracted controversy for it’s depiction of violence.
Former efforts to bring British TV series to the big screen have been muddled at best with The Saint and The Avengers so in efforts to remedy this the producers are eyeing up some big names for the lead roles, reports Deadline. Gerard Butler, Tom Hardy and Jason Statham are reportedly in line for the roles of agents Doyle and Bodie, with Liam Neeson and Gary Oldman up for the role of Cowley.
The film will be an origin story, showing how Cowley brings together counter-terrorism detective Doyle with ex-SAS man Bodie for CI5 to combat the areas of crime not covered by the police or the spooks.
In related news, Neil Marshall, who was originally signed on to direct The Professionals when plans for a remake first appeared, is apparently now off that project after revealing to Live for Films that he is currently writing a film about an alien invasion set during World War II. Although he has not commented on what his next directorial effort will be, the lack of a mention of his name with this new Professionals news, added to his focus on penning this script, would suggest he is no longer involved.
Are you a fan of The Professionals? What do you think of this planned big-screen remake?