If you were to ask me what was the least likely TV show to be made into a film, I would probably tell you to leave me alone. If you persisted, though, I might say that Battle of the Network Stars, the 1970s “athletic” competition between B-list TV stars, would be untranslatable.
It seems like I never tire of being wrong, as that TV show has in fact been optioned and is being turned into a movie by Paramount. At least they’re not remaking a movie this time. The film is being seen as a comedic Ocean’s Eleven, filled to the brim with comedy stars. The plot would center on a disgraced network executive who must win the Battle to get his job back. Which makes no sense.
Anyway, this will only work if done Christopher Guest style, and if the comedians all play themselves. Who doesn’t want to see Ray Romano shooting ‘roids into his eyeball to win the tug of war against Jason Alexander?
This is truly one of the most bizarre ideas for a movie in a long time, and there is a part of me that hopes it turns into something befitting the completely weird concept. In the meantime, enjoy the picture of Gabe Kaplan, who is probably already begging at Paramount’s door for a role.