CBS Picks Up Pilots for ‘MacGyver’ Reboot and Drama Based on Dr. Phil’s Early Career
The “MacGyver” reboot has landed a formal pilot order at CBS, along with “Bull,” a drama based on the early career of Dr. Phil, Variety has learned. “MacGyver” is a reimagining of the 1980’s television series of the same name, following a 20-something MacGyver as he gets recruited into a clandestine organization where he uses his knack for solving problems in unconventional ways to help prevent disasters from happening. Written by Paul Downs Colaizzo, original exec producer Henry Winkler is attached to the new potential series as an EP, along with Michael Clear. James Wan (“Saw” franchise, “Furious 7”) is attached to direct the pilot and will also serve as an exec producer. CBS Television Studios will produce.
Elizabeth Banks to Play Villain in ‘Power Rangers’ Movie (Exclusive)
Elizabeth Banks is going bad. The actress has signed on to star as the villain in Power Rangers, Lionsgate’s big-screen take on the 1990s kids television show,The Hollywood Reporter has learned. Dean Israelite, who helmed the time-travel found-footage movieProject Almanac, is on board to direct the project, which is being produced by Saban Brands’ Haim Saban and Brian Casentini as well as Marty Bowen and Wyck Godfrey. Allison Shearmur will executive produce. A quintet of relative newcomers — RJ Cyler, Becky G, Ludi Lin, Naomi Scott and Dacre Montgomery — are playing the teens who, infused with powers, form a colorful team who must stop the world from being conquered.
The Walking Dead Nearly Killed Carol in Season 3
The craziest part is who was going to live instead: T-Dog. This mind-blowing near-decision was revealed by Walking Dead producer and special effects guru Greg Nicotero, in an interview by SFX magazine.TWD fans will remember T-Dog’s death during the zombie outbreak in the prison, when he basically sacrificed himself to help Carol escape.
‘Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ Unveiled, Will Feature New Backstory
Less than two months after the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, there has been another awakening — and this time, it’s far sillier. The first trailer for the newly announced Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakens recreates the original trailer for the J.J. Abrams movie, but this time with added obstacles. The game, developed by TT Games and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment in partnership with the Lego Group and Lucasfilm, doesn’t just feature gameplay based on the massively successful revival of the space opera franchise; it’ll also include what the official announcement describes as “new story content exploring the time between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens,” offering new insight into the backstory of characters such as Kylo Ren, Rey and Poe Dameron.
Seth Rogen, Bill Hader, Zach Galifianakis Set for Sci-Fi Comedy
Seth Rogen, Zach Galifianakis and Bill Hader will venture through the final frontier in the upcoming sci-fi comedy, The Something, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The movie tells the story of a team of astronauts who encounter another ship after being stuck in space for several years. The Something was written by Rodney Rothman, who penned 22 Jump Street and Grudge Match, and will also make his directorial debut with the film.
‘Star Trek’ to Get 50th Anniversary Convention in New York
This September, Star Trek marks its 50th anniversary by returning from the final frontier and landing in New York City forStar Trek: Mission New York, a three-day event based around a celebration of the beloved TV and movie franchise. Taking place Sept. 2-4 at the Javits Center, Mission New Yorkcomes from New York Comic-Con organizers ReedPOP. Lance Festerman, global svp for the company, said in a statement that the new convention “will be a completely unique fan event unlike anything seen before, giving [fans] the chance to go beyond panels and autograph signings, and immerse themselves in the Star Trek universe.”
Legends of Tomorrow: Stephen Amell to appear as future Oliver Queen
EW has learned that Stephen Amell will reprise his role as Oliver Queen on DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, but there’s a twist: We’ll see him in the distant future! Amell will pop up in the sixth episode of the season, which will take place in 2046, where we’ll also meet Connor Hawke — more fuel for the firey speculation on Connor’s parentage. Even better, Oliver Queen will have a very, ahem, familiar look to fans of the comics.