AMC announced yesterday that Jim Caviezel (Frequency, The Passion of the Christ) and Ian McKellen (”The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, the “X-Men” films) have both signed on to star in the network’s “re-imagining” (my word, not theirs) of the highly influential ’60s cult classic, “The Prisoner.”
AMC is co-producing the six-part mini-series with a couple of other companies with a worldwide premiere slated for 2009. “The Prisoner” will be AMC’s second original mini-series and will combine a wide range of genres including espionage, thriller, drama, and sci-fi while expanding upon the network’s distinctive cinematic approach to creating high-quality programming.
Caviezel is set to play the title role of “Number Six,” which was originally played by Patrick McGoohan. McGoohan was not only the star of the original series he was also the creator, producer, writer, and director. With McGoohan’s lead, the series has become widely regarded as one of the most famous and intriguing cult TV series ever created. Ian McKellen will be co-starring with Caviezel in the role of “Number Two.”
AMC says that while the original series, which debuted in 1967, was a riff on Cold War politics, their reinterpretation will reflect more 21st Century concerns and anxieties, such as liberty, security, and surveillance, while also showcasing the same key elements of paranoia, tense action and socio-political commentary seen in McGoohan’s original series.
“‘The Prisoner’ spawned an enormous group of zealous fans who thrived on each week’s psychological twists and turns. AMC’s version brings ‘The Prisoner’ back to primetime, and we’re tempted to discuss more details, but in the spirit of the series, what you DO know, may hurt you,” said Christina Wayne, SVP of scripted original programming.
Bill Gallagher will serve as writer and executive producer. It is produced by Trevor Hopkins, and directed by Jon Jones.
I think this is one of those shows that could go either way. I love the fact that both Jesus and Magneto will be starring in it as both actors are quality performers. Since AMC doesn’t have that many irons in the fire, if you will, they’ll probably spend plenty of time and money on this one which means it should get the attention it’ll need to be successful. I also like the fact that it’s only going to be a six-part mini-series as I’m not ready to commit to any long running psychological mind games right now.
What do you think? Have you seen the original? Should they remake it? Will you watch it?
The original is one of the most insane head trips ever committed to film. Taking McGoohan out of the mix seems problematic, though. The man's a genius.
I'm sure I'll watch, for the talent involved, my love of the original, and the fact that AMC is turning itself into a destination for great new television. But my expectations aren't very high. I expect to be disappointed with this one. Then again, if they shoot really high, really try to make a modern-day version of it and just don't quite make it, it might be that good kind of disappointment. The kind where you know everyone really cared and everyone really tried but it just didn't make it.
Let's hope for at least that.
Oh yeah , I'm in for this! I would watch this series re-runs late at night going through college (yes it was reruns then to all you wise-cracks), an updated version could be highly interesting. I especially liked Jim Caviezel in the Count of Monte Cristo (its a family favorite movie), and with Ian to boot on this should be something to look forward to!
I am definately intrigued. Come on I am not a number. ya gotta love that.