Here’s some news worth wriggling your nose at! The classic television show “Bewitched” is about to get the major movie treatment once again, according to recent reports.
Based on reports from The Hollywood Reporter and Screen Rant on Wednesday (March 24), a new film based on the beloved 1960s sitcom is being developed at Sony Pictures.
Screen Rant is reporting that the new “Bewitched” movie will be more like the classic television show than the 2005 “Bewitched” movie version. That film starred Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell. It wasn’t too well received.
The 2005 movie only has a 4.8 out of 10 rating on IMDb.com. Despite its popular lead actors, as well as a very solid supporting cast, the 2005 film didn’t, if you’ll pardon the pun, capture the magic of its source material. The supporting cast for the 2005 version also included Shirley MacLaine, Michael Caine, Kristin Chenoweth, Jason Schwartzman, Stephen Colbert, and even Steve Carell.
The forces behind this new film must certainly be hoping that they can succeed where the 2005 film failed.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the forces behind the new “Bewitched” movie include scriptwriters Travis Fickett and Terry Matalas. In addition, John Fox and John Davis of Davis Entertainment are also producing the film.
The rights to “Bewitched” are owned by Sony, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The studio also tried to bring back the show during 2011-2012 and in 2014. The 2011-2012 version was meant for CBS. The 2014 version was planned to air on NBC. Neither of these projects got off the ground.
The Hollywood Reporter has also said that the “Bewitched” film is not the first time Fickett and Matalas have worked together. They also started and oversaw the “Twelve Monkeys” television show for the Syfy Channel.
Original ‘Bewitched’ Series Ran for Nine Seasons
According to IMDb.com, the original “Bewitched” series ran on television from 1964 until 1972. It starred Elizabeth Montgomery as Samantha Stephens. She’s a witch who decided to marry a man who has no magical abilities. This, of course, allowed the show to create many comedic situations.
The show is also famous for switching the lead actor who played Samantha’s husband during its run. First, the role of Darrin Stephens was played by Dick York. His time of the show lasted from 1964 until 1969. York played Darrin for 170 episodes, according to IMDb.com. The next man to play Darrin Stephens was actor Dick Sargent. He played Darrin from 1969 until the show ended in 1972. His run reportedly lasted for 84 episodes.
One of the most humorous relationships on the original “Bewitched” show was between Samantha’s husband Darrin (as played by either actor) and her mother, Endora. Endora, who was also a witch, was played by Agnes Moorehead.
